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September 24 – October 7, 2015 Hydro-wind power

Rigs for scrap

Moringa Park

Rock & Roll

Energised El Hierro

Drilling debate rages on

I love you sweet leaf

A very savage Hun

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Page 30

Remains not missing Yeremi

The family of a Gran Canaria boy missing since 2007 endured several days of anguish recently following reports that human remains found on waste ground could be those of the youngster.

Yeremi Vargas vanished when he was just seven years old whilst playing in the street outside his grandmother’s house in Vecindario in March 2007. Despite a prolonged police investigation, which has included interviews with known child sex offenders here and in the UK, no trace of him has ever been found.

Continued on page 2

Contrasting studies

Waste and starvation Two separate recent studies ironically demonstrate people’s wasteful food habits whilst at the same time illustrating alarming rises in Spain’s poverty levels.

The AIS Group report concluded that 22.2 per cent of the Spanish population is currently at risk of falling into poverty, which is interesting when compared to the study conducted by Toluna on behalf of FoodSaver which showed that Spain is the sixth worst country in the EU for wasting food.

According to Toluna, food with an overall value of €500 is thrown in the bin by every Canarian household per year. The main reason for tossing out uneaten food is due to it passing the expiration date. Spain reached its high food-waste rating in Europe despite many Spaniards considering themselves frugal and claiming to reuse the majority of their leftover food.

The survey was conducted with 1,000 people aged between 25 and 60 years of age. Over 86 per

Photo: Ayuntamiento Arona

Anguish continues

Organisations like the Lions Club do tremendous work to help society’s most vulnerable

cent of Canarians admit to occasionally throwing unused or reusable food in the trash, compared to 17.39 per cent who claim to not throw anything away. When asked about the estimated value of food-

stuffs thrown in the bin per month, 97.37 per cent said that around €40 worth of shopping is eventually discarded. Foods most commonly found in Spanish bins include breads, fruits, baked goods and pre-

cooked meals that were refrigerated or kept for a period without being consumed. Meat and cheeses are the food types least likely to be found on the rubbish heap.

Continued on page 2

CANARY ISLANDS

Continued from front page In a study which measured household food wastage, a shocking 78 per cent of people admit to throwing out products that have passed their shelf life, while 22 per cent of those interviewed admitted to eating the expired products anyway.

In more than 46 per cent of cases, Canarians said that inadequate preservation was the reason behind throwing out refrigerated food. Just over 30 per cent confessed that they prefer not to eat pre-cooked food from the fridge, while 23 per cent admitted that usually they’d forgotten, or not eaten, the food within a suitable time and had to throw it out.

Well over half the people in the study (52.17 per cent) said they refrigerate prepared food to eat at a later date; 19.5 per cent said they typically freeze leftover foods; and 17 per cent said they often use leftovers in the preparation of other dishes.

Throughout Europe it is estimated that around 89 million tons of food ends up in the garbage, with at least 10 per cent of that still considered edible. The UK is responsible for around 15 million tons.

Yet, according to the recent study by the AIS Group, using data collected by Spain’s Institute of National Statistics (INE) and Habits Big Data, it was concluded that 22.2 per cent of the Spanish population is currently at risk of falling into poverty. The income lev-

Wasting away as poverty rises Photo: AIS

Studies’ shock statistics

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

The graphic clearly demonstrates Spain’s economic north-south divide

Photo: www.forwardtherevolution.net

Food sharing initiatives and dedicated areas are becoming more common in countries like Germany

els defining those as poor and at risk are based on a family of four with a monthly income of €1,393 or less, or an individual with a monthly income of €663 or less; without taking rent costs into account.

Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa, has the highest national rate with 44 per cent of residents on the poverty line, while the gap between North

and South Spain is growing ever wider; the country has often struggled with the image of having a rich industrial north versus a poor rural south.

With regards to provincial capitals, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria came in third highest with 31.3 per cent, while Santa Cruz de Tenerife came fifth highest with 30.4 per cent.

In a similar report published

by INE in May this year it also stated that Spain’s national average is around 22 per cent and defined the poverty rate for the Canary Islands at 27.7 per cent. The average annual income for a family in the Canaries is €8,302 – well under the €10,391 sum defined as the national average.

Telde on the east coast of Gran Canaria is a typical suburb just outside the island’s capital, with many residents working in Las Palmas while commuting from their homes because it is cheaper to live there. However, in recent times the area has been heavily affected by unemployment and currently has a 33 per cent jobless rate.

An affordable area is still overexpensive when families don’t have sufficient income, and poverty levels in such towns are on the rise.

The dire situation in Telde has prompted the councillor for social policy on the island, Elena Máñez, along with Carmen Hernández, the mayor of Telde, to discuss strategies that assist the worst hit. Hernández stated that “Telde is a big town with serious unemployment problems and a lot of families are finding it very hard, which is bringing many to the brink of poverty and social exclusion. In such times we need to act quickly, as the current administrative structures are often too rigid to respond in a timely manner”.

Of course, this type of hardship is not exclusive to Telde; many

areas in the Canaries are facing similar difficulties. Arona mayor José Julián Mena recently met with Brian Belshaw, president of the Lions Club Arona, Las Galletas and Costa del Silencio, to thank the group for their hard work and dedication in helping those who are less fortunate. Together they plan to promote joint projects to support families in need throughout the borough.

For over 10 years the club’s members have organised fundraising events and activities to support society’s most vulnerable, something echoed by other organisations on the island.

Help is available to hard-hit families via various non-governmental organisations, charities and fundraisers, where food is often donated and distributed through food banks and charity centres. Some welfare and religious organisations also provide support, especially in the larger towns and cities, such as soup kitchens and various forms of social services. This contribution should never be underestimated, as it is providing adults and children from disadvantaged backgrounds with a hot meal and important nourishment to fight another day.

Thus, ironically, one study shows a wastefulness to people’s habits with food and another informs of the dramatically rising poverty levels in Spain. Maybe there is something we can all do to help –

even if it’s simply setting aside food products to donate rather than dispose of.

The expiration date is a common cause for throwing food out, but in many cases it is used as an approximate benchmark; pasta and rice, for example, last an incredibly long time so including a specified date is considered arbitrary by some.

People often refer to the given date for fear of salmonella or other forms of poisoning without trusting their own judgement, and while caution must be maintained with perishable foods such as meat, milk, fruits and vegetables, in other cases your senses will often be the best indicator.

If trying to be less wasteful, then consider smell, touch and taste before deciding if something is good to eat, discarding anything that looks, smells or feels off to your senses. A general rule of thumb is the longer the specified expiration period the longer the product’s edibility. Rice and noodles, for example, are often fine to eat long after the date has expired, while brown spots on fruits and vegetables can be cut away with the rest still usable.

In short, trust in your own judgement a little more and don’t routinely throw out products if you feel they’re still consumable or even good to donate to charities working hard to help Spain’s increasingly struggling sections of society. n

Ongoing investigation

Yeremi’s family still has hope Continued from front page Speculation surfaced that a tragic closure was about to be brought to the case of the missing youngster following the discovery of a skull and bones not far from Vecindario and initial reports that they belonged to a child. Yeremi’s mother Ithaisa immediately said she was “pre-

pared for the worst” but that she hoped the remains were not those of her son, who she believes “is still alive and will turn up” even after almost a decade. “Until we are told otherwise, Yeremi is not dead. We are going through a terrible time permanently, particularly when news like this breaks”

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said the distraught mother.

However, soon after, police sources revealed that the skull was that of an adult woman, not a child, and may have been buried on the waste ground as part of a satanic ritual. Checks are being made of a nearby graveyard to see if remains were stolen. In parallel, files on

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women missing in Gran Canaria have been reopened in a bid to identify the remains.

Back in July, it emerged that two young people who had been trolling Yeremi’s parents for over two years on social media with cruel and taunting messages about the boy had been identified by the authorities. n

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24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

Who has the best economy?

How economically stable are Canarian communities?

Following the elections in May this year, new and old leaders were able to gain an overview on the financial situation of each community. The enormous differences between boroughs became apparent following the report made by Sielocal, specialists in economic transparency systems. A total of six out of 88 Canarian boroughs have public debt levels per capita of over €1,000.

The highest borough is Betancuria in Fuerteventura which has 811 inhabitants and a burden of €4,471.11 per head.

Buenavista del Norte follows with a level per capita of €1,232.67 for 4,961 inhabitants, then Los Silos with €1,193.76 for 5,082 residents. The borough of Pájara has €1,191.84 debt per head for its population of 20,931, and Barlovento has a €1,148.50 burden for 2,085 people. Telde has €1,119.13 public debt for 102,170 citizens.

Photo: www.inselteneriffa.com

Canarian community cash coffers

San Bartolomé is one borough managing its finances well

With respect to the Islands’ capitals, Santa Cruz de La Palma is the worst per capita with €651.03 each for its 16,184 inhabitants. Santa Cruz de Tenerife follows with €427.84 for 205,279 resi-

dents, and Arrecife in Lanzarote has €371.48 for 56,880 citizens. Las Palmas has a €282.24 average for its 382,283 inhabitants, and Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura is the low-

est with €139, 22 for 36,790 people. San Sebastián de La Gomera (8,668 residents) and Valverde in El Hierro (4,973) showed no public debt, along with the following Canarian boroughs: Antigua, Arucas,

Moya, San Bartolomé, Tejeda, Valleseco, Vega de San Mateo, Alajeró, Arico, Fasnia, Hermigua, La Matanza, El Paso, Tijarafe and Villa de Mazo.

From the perspective of a nationwide comparison, the

Canaries fair reasonably well.

When considering the average ratio for revenue, expenditure and savings per capita, 32 of the Canaries’ 88 communities are among the most well budgeted in Spain. Overall, 18 of them are in Gran Canaria and 14 in Tenerife. These include: Agüimes, Arucas, Mogán, Puerto del Rosario, San Bartolomé, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Valleseco, Arona, Fasnia, Güímar, Hermigua, Santiago del Teide, El Sauzal, Tacoronte and Valle Gran Rey. Compared to other Spanish provinces, this can be considered a positive situation.

For example, Andalusia only has 49 of its 772 municipalities with a healthy budget, in Madrid there are just 29 of its 179 administrations showing profitable signs, and Valencia only has 24 cash-stable boroughs out of 542.

Three Canarian boroughs were among those showing the most profitable economic activity in Spain: San Bartolomé, Arona n and Mogán.

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Siam Park’s seventh birthday

Pure adrenalinefilled fun Photo: Siam Park

The Dragon is one of Siam Park’s most outstanding attractions

It has been seven years since Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand formally introduced Siam Park to the world at its inauguration in September 2008.

Since then over five million people have enjoyed the rides at Siam Park; among them personalities such as Michelle Rodríguez, Javier Bardem, Sergio Rodríguez, Pedrito, Marcelo, Di María and Steve Aoki.

TripAdvisor recently named Siam Park the best water park in the world for the second consecutive year, while its sister venture, Loro Parque, was awarded the best zoo in Europe and the second best in the world, and the attractions

AstroFest La Palma

Positive response to star event National and international media have widely covered the announcement of the first Astro Festival taking place in La Palma between September 25 and October 5, positively promoting the event aimed at building Astro Tourism on the island.

Several reputable Spanish newspapers featured the story, aimed primarily at tourism professionals, budding astronomers and night sky photographers, and the BBC also covered the announcement in a report on this new style of tourism.

AstroFest La Palma starts with an AstroTourism International Conference taking place from September 25 to 27, followed by a Lunar Eclipse Event happening on the 28th. From September 29 to October 1 there is an International Nightscape Conference, with a Photography Day Trip taking place on October 2. From October 3 to 8 there is an AstroMaster Workshop based on Nightscape and Timelapse, organised to finish the festival’s programme of events. Further information is available at: www.astrofestlapalma.com. n

Police turf war

Boat arrival sparks feud

on offer have become hugely popular with visitors from all over the world.

In its seven years Siam Park has shown great innovation in developing its outstanding facilities and attractions as well as displaying commitment to environmental factors, and this has helped to place the park high on the international stage and receive numerous awards in the process.

Rides such as The Dragon and Kinnaree have been wowing visitors for some time, but the park surprised everyone again this year with the opening of the amazing new Singha attraction.

Perfect for adrenalin junkies, Singha was developed in collaboration with the company

ProSlide, leaders in the design and manufacture of water rides and parks, and is a formidable 240 metre long water-propelled slide. Travelling in a raft, you reach speeds of six metres per second upstream and 18 metres per second downstream, and it has 14 hair-raising bends. Such a formidable toboggan has never been seen at a water park, and is sure to make you scream aloud and leave you feeling utterly energised!

In addition, Siam Park has become a popular venue for music and sports events. It has staged the dance festivals Summer Jam, I Love Music, and Ritmos Del Mundo, as well as sports such as the

Siam Park Dunkerbeck Windsurf Challenge.

Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and featuring Wave Palace, a pool which produces waves higher than any other of its kind in the world, Siam Park is a must visit for anyone. With its impressive slides, magical attractions and thrilling rides, make sure you go along the next time you have a free day.

The owners of Siam Park and Loro Parque are currently overseeing two exciting new projects in Gran Canaria. Las Palmas will see the opening of a giant seafront aquarium called Poema del Mar in 2017, and a new water park is planned for the south of the island. n

While international attention continues to focus on Syrian refugees and how to distribute the growing numbers among EU states, the recent arrival of around 40 Africans in Gran Canaria brought a stark reminder that the Islands continue to deal with a more traditional migrant problem, one which is now causing a rift between the Civil Guard and National Police.

The two organisations are reportedly in a territorial dispute over who should be first on the scene to deal with boats following the arrival of the African migrants. In the latest incident, the Civil Guard turned out in numbers to take control of the harbour in Arguineguín and prevent the National Police from accessing the area, and local daily Canarias 7 says the situation could escalate if the authorities do not take a hand in matters.

The boat arrived late on September 12, and the subsequent show of force by the Civil Guard is said to be in response to a similar tactic used by the National Police for a previous migrant arrival. Calls are now being made to clarify who has responsibility for which areas.

A Civil Guard source insisted that Arguineguín comes under its operational jurisdiction and the police should not have been there. The newspaper reports that “strong words” have been exchanged between officers from both sides but open conflict has so far been avoided.

The 40 Africans included two 13-year-olds and three women, one of them pregnant, and they were given a medical examination by Red Cross volunteers immediately upon landing. n

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

The full moon in Santa Cruz Before you watch the lunar super eclipse, there is some fun to be had in Santa Cruz, right as the full moon is shining over the city. On September 26 the area will be full of life, with a host of events and live music from 11am that morning to 1am the next. More than 100 activities will be offered at 34 different points in the city during this event, called Plenilunio 2015. Fashion, children’s entertainment, theatre, a dog show and much more will contribute to the fun day.

In the evening there will be a total of 50 bands playing: in the Plaza de La Candelaria, Plaza del Príncipe, Calle La Noria and in the Avenida de Anaga, from 8pm to 1am.

In the Plaza Miguel Velázquez the bands will be playing from 8pm to 11pm, and in Calle El Clavel from 9pm to 11pm. The stage at the Parque Bulevar will rock from 7pm to 11pm, and in the Pasaje de Sitja and the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA) there’ll be concerts from 4pm to 11pm.

For those who are looking for more than just partying and dancing, there will be a night run which starts at the Parque García Sanabria at 9pm. The run of approximately 5.3 km will consist of two circuits through the city centre, with different starting times according to age groups. Dig out your dancing and/or running gear to enjoy this day to the full! n

City officials proudly presented the extensive programme

Watch the Lunar super eclipse at home

Live from Mount Teide A group of astronomers will be transmitting the lunar eclipse live from the upper station of the Teleférico del Teide on September 28.

The eclipses are the greatest celestial shows we can watch from this planet so a live broadcast will be heralded as great news by many and the perfect solution for stargazers who are unable to visit Mount Teide on the night in question.

The lunar eclipses, produced by the projection of the shadow of the Earth on the Moon, shouldn’t be missed by anyone interested in astronomy. During this particular one, the Moon will be at its closest to the Earth, or at its perigee, as it turns into a full moon. It will all happen in the early hours of the morning of September 28, when we will be able to see an eclipse, with the moon appearing 14 per cent bigger than usual and 30 per cent more brilliant due to its proximity to the Earth.

This magnificent event will be observed and transmitted for all the world to see, from the

Photo: Teleférico del Teide

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

The above the shadow of Mount Teide

upper station of the Teleférico del Teide by a group of astronomers from the international project GLObal Robotic Telescopes Intelligent Array for eScience (GLORIA) via sky-live. tv, a website which specialises in transmitting events such as eclipses, meteor showers and the Aurora Borealis. For the transmission, the Teleférico del Teide will be offering tech-

nical and logistical assistance, including a fibre optic connection. Astro-physicist Miquel Serra, who is coordinating the transmission, said that the Canaries will be the best place to observe this eclipse.

The main phase will last for one hour and 11 minutes, and will take place between 3.11am and 4.23am local time. The live transmission will last for

one hour and be broadcast in three connections: on September 27 at 7.30pm, showing the sunset and the alignment of the full moon with the shadow of Mount Teide. Secondly, at 2am on September 28 when the full moon enters the shadow of the Earth, and finally at 3am when the total eclipse begins. For more information, go to www. n telefericoteide.com.

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Whale found on Fuerteventura beach

Sad cetacean loss Two fishermen recently found a pigmy sperm whale washed up on the Leandro beach, on the coast of Antigua in Fuerteventura. Despite attempts by environmental specialists who were called to the scene to tow the whale out to sea with a launch, it finally died.

Fuerteventura’s councillor for the environment Natalia Évora said this was a young whale that didn’t present any visible wounds, apart from those brought about by its running aground.

On the following day, a group of vets from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria travelled to Fuerteventura to carry out an autopsy on the creature, and hopefully find the cause of its death.

A spokesperson from the Fuerteventura island council said that the pigmy sperm whale is a common species in the waters of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Évora called attention to the importance of contacting the environ-

mental department if a cetacean is seen washed up on a beach “not only to try to save its life, but if it dies, for the information which it can give during an autopsy. So far this year, 10 cetaceans have

been found on the beaches of Fuerteventura.”

In this case, the team of vets led by Antonio Fernández took samples from the body for testing to determine whether the whale died as a result of human

activities or illness. Fernández said the young whale was around two and a half metres long. The results will be known in about two weeks’ time. n

Fuerteventura man held

Landing planes targeted by lasers Swift action by the authorities in Fuerteventura has led to the identification of a man who blinded pilots of planes landing at the island’s airport with powerful lasers.

The incidents took place last week when the crew of one airline reported they had been blinded again by a laser pointed in their direction from the Caleta de Fuste area as they were landing their aircraft.

The pilots had suffered similar problems the previous day and took the precaution of taking photographs to help pinpoint the source of the intense light. Civil Guard officers tracked the light to a spot on the promenade at the Castillo Beach, where a street vendor was selling the lasers and, it appears, pointing them in the direction of the planes to demonstrate how powerful they were. Four portable lasers were taken from him and he was informed that he faces charges under safety legislation for endangering the aircraft. n

Photo: FBI

Dangerous: lasers can dazzle the pilot of an aircraft

Soliciting swindles

Lawyers’ body rapped for tariff fixing The governing body for the legal profession in the three eastern Canary Islands has fallen foul of the law.

In an embarrassing outcome to a formal investigation launched a few years ago, the College of Lawyers, based in Las Palmas and with jurisdiction over Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, has been fined

nearly €20,000 for price fixing in breach of Spanish competition legislation. The College issued public guidelines to its members with regard to the tariffs they should charge and the publication of the advice was referred to the national competition regulator as it was deemed to be in breach not just of Spanish law but also

of EU regulations. The regulator has ruled that fees are fixed by agreement between lawyers and their clients and cannot be imposed or recommended by a governing body. The College was also ordered to amend its statutes to bring them into line with competition legislation and to circulate the full ruling among its members. n

Dispute between squatters

Tacoronte rampage Tacoronte has recently been the scene of some fierce quarrels and fights in a building inhabited by squatters in the Calle Ismael Domínguez.

This is not the first time that the complex, actually owned by a bank, has been the scene of problems. For around two years the building has been occupied by various singles, couples, and their children.

Several complaints have been

received by the police regarding potentially dangerous dogs which are not properly maintained, bearing in mind that there are young children living there. People have even been threatened with knives and machetes, and reports have been received about noise in the area. But the cause of this latest quarrel is unclear.

During a massive fight, neighbours who tried to intervene

to calm the dispute were also attacked. The police also tried to defuse the situation. Injuries reported included a violent blow to the nose, an open lip, whiplash and multiple bruising.

Local residents are now calling for the bank which owns the building to stop this illegal occupation, in the hope that the troublemakers will disappear from the neighbourhood. n

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

Canarian hamlet recognised

Good and bad news

Smooth boat to China

MSC Cruises, a Swiss-based global cruise company, has included Santa Cruz de Tenerife in its new intercontinental route that runs from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to Shanghai in China.

Next March will see the first time that the MSC Lirica stops in Santa Cruz as part of the long-distance cruise package ‘Grand Voyages’, although the ship has docked there previously.

The vessel has a capacity for 1,560 passengers and 732 dedicated staff members, and there are several choices available to travellers which include either Barcelona or Genoa as a stopping point. The third option is a 60-day route to Shanghai which takes in the Canary Islands as a port of call.

While the announcement in August of the Islands’ inclusion in the company’s plans was certainly welcomed by Canarian tourism authorities, the changing circumstances since have left a bitter taste in the mouth. The cruise company has cancelled 15 scheduled stops of the MSC Opera in Tenerife, with organisers now including Cuba instead following the island’s recent economic upturn. This decision not only affected Tenerife, but also La Palma, which had eight cancellations, and Gran Canaria, with the Puerto de La Luz port also suffering 15 cancelled stops.

The cruise industry has been booming lately with continually increasing passenger numbers, which is something the Islands need to be taking advantage of.

Although preparing to welcome the MSC Lirica for the first time on the new route early next year, Canarian authorities will be smarting from the sudden downn scaling of the company’s plans.

Tejeda wins prestigious award The mountain village of Tejeda in the heart of the Nublo Rural Park in Gran Canaria recently became the first Canarian community to be included in the list of ‘Los pueblos más bonitos de España’ (The most beautiful villages in Spain).

Gran Canaria president Antonio Morales was delighted with the prize, thanking organisers for recognising Tejeda’s “cultural and architectural values”. During the ceremony, he spoke of the village residents’ pride and their commitment to preserving “Tejeda’s charming characteristics and ensuring its heritage for generations to come”.

Local mayor Francisco Perera said that “tourism is the future and is much more than just sun, sea and sand; Gran Canaria has many valued spots and attractive elements that include nature, architecture, culture and cuisine. Visitors have to be impressed by a wide range of options and leisure activities, and we offer that”. Perera also went on to add that the unveiling of the plaque at the award ceremony was his “most

Photo: Roquenublogc: CC 3.0

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

emotional moment as mayor of Tejeda.” “I always wanted a Canarian village to be included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Spain” said association representative Francisco Mestre. “I discovered this village personally and put Tejeda forward to the commission for its inclusion”. Mestre was impressed by the area’s dramatic scenery, including the

rural park and famous Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga rock formations, as well as the streets, homes and people of Tejeda. “It would be nice to see more local villages included and a tourism route set up between them, to really showcase the island’s beauty”, he added.

The Association for the most beautiful villages in Spain (Asociación de Los pueblos más boni-

tos de España) currently has 35 hamlets included in its list, all aesthetically attractive and surrounded by nature, as well as having good organisation and contributing to the preservation of their history and heritage.

The main objective for the association is to recognise natural beauty spots and complimentary villages and promote them via rural tourism. n

Gran Canaria bent bobby

Photo: Puerto SCT

‘Dirty Harry’ cop in trouble again MSC’s impressive fleet

A local policeman from Mogán, dubbed Dirty Harry by the media on account of his multiple run-ins with the law and the numerous disciplinary proceedings against him, is in trouble again.

The 53-year-old was arrested earlier in the month after allegedly using his police ID to

“persuade” a man who owed money to a friend of the cop to pay up sooner rather than later. He also faces charges of fraud although the details of the offence have not been disclosed.

He was arrested by Civil Guard officers following an investigation into the intimidation

complaint, which was filed in July.

The policeman was in the headlines last year when he was given a 10-month suspended jail term and taken off duties from the Mogán local police force for brandishing his gun to threaten three people whose ID he demanded to see.

According to media in Gran Canaria it is his fourth conviction and he has had a total of 16 disciplinary proceedings launched against him for a range of offences, including threatening to shoot colleagues.

The latest arrest has led to fresh calls for Mogán to sack him once and for all. n

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

All eyes on La Gomera

Photo: Cabildo La Gomera

Held up in a good light

La Gomera is a natural paradise for hikers and outdoor holidays

The Garajonay National Park in La Gomera is reminiscent of an enchanted forest, and is one of the main tourist attrac-

tions of the picturesque island due to its fairytale feel.

The park is also a hiking paradise and popular with tourists

all year round. As such, a representative from La Gomera has recently been based in northern Europe and this

has resulted in an increase in European-wide attention on the island. The magazine Outdoor featured a report on the hiking trails in Valle Gran Rey, while articles on the Roque de la Mona, the Playa del Trigo beach and La Gomera’s ‘silbo’ whistling language were covered in several European publications.

One report also highlighted a list of interesting facts about the Garajonay National Park, pointing out that German chancellor Angela Merkel has enjoyed several walking holidays on the island over recent years.

La Gomera has also been featuring more regularly in travel brochures, with hiking and walking holidays growing in popularity -and the small island offering idyllic conditions for active tourists. n

High altitude figures

Airport passenger numbers up again Canarian airports continue to post high passenger figures in 2015, with last month’s numbers up three per cent on the same month the previous year.

The ongoing upturn in business was further consolidated in August, according to Spain’s Airports Authority (AENA).

Total passenger numbers using the eight airports in the Islands rose by three per cent compared to the same month in 2014, reaching more than 3.2 million. Nearly two million were international passengers, of whom 1.8 million flew from or to EU countries, according to AENA. Gran Canaria and Tenerife South continue to top the individual airport rankings, with figures of 862,932 (+ 4.3 per cent) and 761,430 (-2.7 per cent), respectively. Next comes Lanzarote at just over 600,000.

All three airports rank in the top 10 in Spain at present in terms of passenger traffic. The August figures brought the running total for the year so far to 23.4 million, a rise of 1.7 per cent compared to the first eight months of last year. n

Jostling for power

President Fernando Clavijo, here in Madrid, is known for his political manoeuvring

island councils and replicate the two-party pact in place at regional level.

Although both sides worked hard publicly to minimise the fall-out and the prospect

of reprisals elsewhere, senior CC figures have made it known that the betrayal will not go unpunished. Meanwhile, various media report that Canarian president Fernando Clavijo is quietly considering joining forces with the Popular Party and the small Gomeran ASG party, which would give him enough support for a threeway alliance without the PSOE. Clavijo is known to be more comfortable with the PP and could well switch coalition horses if the PP retains power in the general election in December. n

Leaving a bad taste…

Bird-stew crowd face environment charge A group of friends who caught protected birds on a tiny Canarian island and made themselves a stew on the beach with them face prosecution for breaching strict environment legislation governing the birds.

A total of 19 people were questioned by the Civil Guard’s Nature Protection Unit on Alegranza, which is part of the Chinijo islands that lie off the north coast of Lanzarote. The group had been given permission to anchor their pleasure boats off the small island but officers suspected they had an ulterior motive and kept them under observation from afar. They paid them a visit when they realised they had left the boats and gone ashore on Alegranza. The officers surprised them as they were preparing a stew made from a variety of birds, including several shearwaters, which are currently in breeding season and considered a highly n vulnerable species under Canarian law.

Photo: Gobierno de Canarias

It has only been in office for a few months but already the doom prophets are predicting a short life for the regional government due to a betrayal by one of the two coalition partners and speculation that a different alliance is being discreetly explored.

The betrayal was by the socialist PSOE party in tiny El Hierro, where a motion of censure tabled by the PSOE to oust the mayor of Frontera was a deliberate breach of the agreement with the Canarian Coalition (CC) party to support each other on town and

Photo: Gobierno de Canarias

Government pact ‘in trouble’

The airport on the small island of Lanzarote is one of the top ten in Spain for passenger traffic

Injured or exhausted birds are rightly nursed by environmentalists before being released

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

CANARY ISLANDS

tember, make the area perfect for wind power.

For three decades the island has dreamed of an autonomous and clean energy supply and in August that dream came a step closer to reality, although more work is needed before the island can rely solely on hydro-wind power. Nevertheless, the commitment to sustainability is paying off and is essential in these times of climate change.

The project is not without precedent: The archipelago of Tokelau in New Zealand has managed to produce energy for the entire population via renewable sources, although these small islands are home to just 1,500 residents. Ironically, the archipelago – despite recently becoming the world’s first territory to stop producing greenhouse gases – is one of the most threatened regions from climate change and rising sea levels in the South Pacific.

Though Pope Francisco has echoed the concerns made by US president Barack Obama in calling for action to counter the effects of climate change, there are still many nations that refuse to acknowledge the threat.

With clean power sources available through sun, wind, water and thermal energy, the overreliance on fossil fuels is fast becoming nonsensical. Still, there are many projects that give hope: Scotland is trialling wave and tidal power as potential sources and Iceland is leading the way with geothermal energy. Even here in the Canaries, there are plans in place to prepare the Islands for the future and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The Canary Islands government has expressed its goal of reaching 60 per cent renewable energy in the next 20 years, and to be completely covered by 2050.

Ambitious? Yes. But El Hierro n is leading the way.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

Hydro-wind initiative

The island of El Hierro was stage to a historic moment for the Canary Islands recently, when the power needs for approximately 10,000 residents were completely covered by renewable energy for four hours.

The Central Hidroeólica de El Hierro houses five industrial wind turbines and two lakes, and has a unique system of connecting its hydro and wind-based sectors to allow for no interruption in power.

El Hierro consumes around 48 gigawatts of energy every year, and the renewable project is organised by energy company, Gorona del Viento El Hierro SA, with investment from the island council, Endesa, and the Canary Islands Technological Institute.

The project attracted global attention earlier in the year when a delegation from the Seychelles visited the small island to inspect the site and plans to make El Hierro com-

Photo: Cabildo El Hierro

Energised El Hierro

The wind farm on El Hierro brings the dream of self-sufficient energy within reach

pletely dependent on renewable energy.

The Gorona del Viento hydroelectric plant is an impressive

installation that consists of a water deposit, a hydroelectric station, and a pumping station – with a diesel gen-

erator installed for emergencies. The trade winds, which predominantly blow on El Hierro from March to Sep-

CANARY ISLANDS

10

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

The USA long ride

Coast to coast on a bus

By Barbara Belt If you’re not rich, fancy seeing a lot of the USA and are a lone traveller, one obvious option is to Greyhound bus it.

You could, of course, hire, and sleep in, a car, but it’s a big continent. Lone drivers covering long distances can’t sightsee.

As for trains, well, Amtrack railways are expensive and don’t cover the whole continent. In a Eureka! moment, I realised the USA could forget meddling in oil-producing countries if their five-miles-to-a-gallon mega-trucks weren’t thundering about delivering stuff everywhere across North America. A better rail network would neatly remove the necessity of ridiculous fuel consumption, and US ‘peace-keeping’ forces from where they have no business, in one fell swoop.

However, Amtrack would have taken me north, nearly to New York, to then zigzag south west down to San Francisco and the cost was anyway outside my limited budget.

I wanted to travel across the USA seeing the south, the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Greyhound buses covered the route I wanted from Miami to San Francisco, involving thirty-five stops, three different bus routes and an impressively precise, non-stop journey time of three days, two hours and fifty minutes, for $179. No hotel rooms needed when you sleep on the bus!

I bought an online ticket, printed schedules and tickets and booked a cheap bed in

unfold through Florida’s flat, palm-filled landscapes, identical shopping malls, parks and industrial areas. Donna talked me through it all.

Notebook, pencils, camera and tiny radio to hand, my onboard bag stuffed with water, a change of clothes, vitamins, nuts, fruit, paper pants, toiletries, soap, flannel, towel, laptop and mobile, I was off.

Miami for a night’s sleep before the off. The Greyhound press office suggested the non-stop journey might be ‘demanding’, but were very helpful and encouraging.

On September 1 at 6.15am, the 1154 Greyhound left Miami, with the charming Donna at the wheel. Its route would be via Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in Florida; Tifton, Macon, Atlanta in Georgia; Anniston and Birmingham in Alabama; Jackson and Vicksburg in Mississippi; Monroe, Rushton, Grambling, Shreveport, Marshall, Longview, Kilgore, Tyler, Terrell, then Dallas, all in Texas, arriving at 5pm next day, twenty minute stops and a couple of longer breaks for meals included.

This was the start of my, at first embarrassed, then relieved,

There´s lots of opportunity for people watching: these kids are outside Grambling University From greyhound to Chihuahua!

All very organised: Miami Greyhound Station

occupation of the prime-position, double front seat, usually reserved for the elderly or infirm. Each driver on each stage passed me on to the next with instructions to look after me. They put me in priority seating at chaotic bus stations, led me past queues to get on buses first, and were an

extraordinarily rich source of stories and information. This trip would have been very different without their help.

Once on the road in hot, steamy Miami, shorts and t-shirt were no match for the bus air conditioning. Wrapped in the shawl I’d packed for sleeping in, I watched the road ahead

Donna’s twenty years of Greyhound driving provided enough information and ancedote for a novel: a full bus stuck in Christmas blizzards; cocaine smugglers; lost luggage; Greyhound’s history; its 100th anniversary; southern hospitality and her own story. Intriguing local sights and soundbites were provided by roadside advertising billboards and my tiny radio, invaluable throughout the trip for local colour.

Florida’s bilingual sound waves offered everything from New Country: “A cold beer on a Friday night / A pair of jeans that fit just right”, to Electro Cumbia. Gigan-

See all our shops

and you?

vape ?

SMOKE or

www.goodsmoke.es

tic billboards featured smiling doctors, dentists and real estate agents. We crossed into Georgia, where magnolia farms, vasectomies, live baby gators, cowboy boots and ‘liquor’ were advertised in roadside fields full of lazy cattle and egrets.

At night, we stopped in Atlanta’s generic Greyhound station.

They’re all much the same: vending machines, rest rooms,

uncomfortable metal seating and (sometimes) a snack bar.

Never a bar. Alcohol is strictly forbidden, which is strange to us Europeans.

I was warned not ‘to even think of’ going outside, so of course I had to and found those ‘dangerous gangs’ hanging round in groups, according to race.

Each warned me about the others. All were friendly. They sent a runner to get me a beer in a discreet paper bag. Whilst explaining about the Canaries to ‘Latinos’ who thought I was Spanish, I was called back on board. They all waved goodbye as we left for Alabama, which I missed in the dark. We’d already crossed the state line to Mississippi when it got light, passing through Jackson.

“We got married in a fever / Hotter than a pepper sprout /

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015 We been talking ‘bout Jackson / Ever since the fire went out”. A trip across the USA is a succession of songs. Most road signs remind you of a song title and thinking in song titles is inevitable if you’re a music fan and sleep deprived, which I was fast becoming. I did sleep, but frequent, mysterious night stops make it tricky. There are toilets on buses and we didn’t refuel at each stop, but stop we did.

At each stop, new conversations, late night revelations and confessions. Passengers tell all.

A dreadlocked man was going to look after his elderly mother.

He hadn’t seen her for years; a poor, skinny boy going home to get help with addiction. I had trouble understanding accents.

They had trouble understanding my English. “What?” was the usual response to my opening questions. I was the difficult to understand foreigner in English, but had no such problems with Spanish.

On the road again, I was astonished to hear Aidolf (sic) Hitler cited as father of today’s ‘Islamic atrocities’ on local bible belt radio. Inflammatory and wildly inaccurate, but irrefutable as “The Lord gave this to me last night”, the speaker assured listeners.

Each new driver repeated the Greyhound rules: no unruly behaviour or swearing, no loud conversation, all devices on silent mode, no smoking, drugs, no booze, on pain of immediate ejection from the bus. Passengers address drivers respectfully, as Sir or Ma’am.

At Grambling University in Louisiana, my musings on why segregated education had suddenly reared its ugly head - everybody was black - were interrupted by driver Ethel shouting about smoke.

Nobody owned up. She pulled over, tossed back her wonderful mane of multi-plaited hair, went back and hauled out the guilty smoker, a sad charac-

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

A passing view of Mexico Rollin, rollin, rollin…

Our wonderful driver for part of the journey: elegant Ethel

ter whose pleas for mercy fell on stony ground. “I’m not surprised his wife left him” she said, as we left him, anguished in Grambling.

Fugitive wives and broken relationships were a recurring theme of many stories heard on the trip. It’s unclear which method of transport the fugitive wives choose. Were they all on another bus?

A Dallas Texas, billboard: “Let go, I’ll catch you, said Jesus” (did he?) caught my attention as our nice new driver on the first part of new bus route 1403, Dallas to Los Angeles, introduced herself with: “I be Linda. I be your new driver” at 7pm on the second night.

Stopping at Fort Worth, Abilene, Big Springs, Van Horn and El Paso in Texas; Lordsburg, New

Mexico; Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona and Blythe and White Water in California, we were scheduled to arrive in LA at 10pm the following evening.

Off we went.

“Abilene, Abilene, prettiest town that I’ve ever seen” played in my head, but I fell asleep and missed it and indeed everything else until we arrived at 6am the next morning in El Paso on the Mexican border. I got ready to make the most of the ninety-minute stop there, the closest I’d ever been to Mexico.

Day broke as I left the bus station, wantonly ignoring all “Don’t go out there!” shouts.

I saw old adobe houses, lots of pueblo style newer stuff, homeless asleep on benches (standard fare throughout the trip

- lots of poverty in the Land of the Free) and not much else at that time in the morning. The dangers of El Paso I’d been warned about must have all been asleep.

People waiting in the bus station proved more interesting: ancient but beautiful brown persons in cowboy hats and boots, standing straight and unaffected by the bus station chaos around them, stately older women, younger people with more glamour and spark than I’d encountered until then.

These travellers from the south came prepared with boxes of food and drink, cushions, fans and a realistic grasp on the realities of long distance bus travel.

The US travellers made far heavier work of it, complained more, looked worse.

Mexican women told me that two bus lines run people up from the south to the border, that it can take four hours to get through on foot and that you should never sit at the back of Greyhound buses because “all the bad boys take drugs”.

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11

Bit like your average London school bus.

We set off, ever westward, advised to “lee la biblia” (read the bible) by enormous letters painted on a rockface across the border, past big cattle pens, and potteries, to be stopped by

and California at the Colorado River, on into the sunset.

Los Angeles Greyhound station was in a ferment of activity and confusion when we arrived, from which I was suddenly saved by Sophia, a Greyhound person who’d come looking for me. She sat me down and disappeared, surrounded by passengers asking questions, then came back and put me on the bus, wishing me well. I’ve no idea how amongst the chaos at Greyhound stations - and it was Labour Day Weekend, one of the busiest of the year - everything works, but it does.

Despite a lot of shouting and apparent confusion, buses pull in and out on time.

So, at 11.30pm, on night three, we set off on the last leg, route 6848 from LA to San Francisco, calling at Avenal and Oakland, both of which I missed, and arriving at San Francisco not so bright, but very early, an hour ahead of schedule at 6am, a mere three days, one hour and fifty minutes after leaving Miami.

Would I do it again? Yes, but I’d ideally have a bit more cash for breaks along the way next time. Hotel rooms are at least seventy dollars for something clean but characterless, but taking a room at least every other day would give the opportunity to explore some of the many places we passed through, as well as the obvious attraction of being able to shower and sleep in a bed.

Bird-bathing in bus station rest rooms is of very limited appeal after day one and most of the stops are very short, so that waiting in line for food isn’t always feasible.

Am I glad I did it? Oh yes, very, and I’d recommend a Greyhound trip for anyone who’s interested in people and places, enjoys spectacular scenery, isn’t shy, likes a bit of adventure and doesn’t need luxury to be happy. n

immigration police with dogs at a point where various roads out of Mexico converge. Driver Scott told me they pull somebody off the bus ‘about once a month’. He expertly managed to direct the whole crew to the bus behind, to sighs of relief and lots of relieved laughter on ours. On we went.

Scott’s thirty-eight years of Greyhound stories made for an entertaining ride between El Paso and Phoenix. The Arizona scenery was wonderful, with our road taking us along a high plain between distant mountain ridges. It was my favourite bit of the journey. I’d love to share some of Scott’s stories, but there’s no space here. Billboards advertised Steins Ghost Town, an abandoned railway stop, cowboy boots and cattle feed. Local radio played Country and Western. Road signs warned of dust storms.

We followed the old summer pioneer route to the west through Apache, Comanche, Navajo and Hopi lands to Tucson. The freeway on to Phoenix was traffic clogged, but got us there on time and, after saying goodbye to Scott, and the usual stop, we set off again, crossing the border between Arizona

12

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Refugee preparations

Four islands ready to go

Photo: Cabildo TF

Patricia Hernández and the president of Tenerife, Carlos Alonso, have much to talk about: the labour market and the arrival of refugees and dependent family members and are just some of the major issues

Vice-President of the Canarian Government Patricia Hernández declared after a recent meeting to coordinate relief efforts that “We are ready to accept the refugees which Spain will send us.”

The gathering, which included representatives of various boroughs and governmental and non-profit charities, outlined the resources which have been confirmed. Currently, 651 places are ready to be offered to refugees. Tenerife will house 212 people, Gran Canaria 201, La Palma 174 and La Gomera will take 64. More will be welcomed to the other islands at a later date. The accommodation that is being provided is a variety of hostels and shared housing.

Surprise for Syrian football coach The latest developments in one migrant’s life must give hope to the many thousands running for the lives.

Images of the moment Syrian refugee Osama Abdul Mohsen fell to the floor with his sevenyear-old son in his arms after being deliberately tripped

by Hungarian reporter Petra László went viral around the internet. The incident caused outrage across the globe and László, who had also been filmed kicking two other migrants, including a child, was instantly sacked from her post. However, the inhumane

gesture has actually proved a stroke of luck for Osama and his family.

Once it became known that he was a former football coach of Syrian first division side alFotuwa, not to mention a huge fan of Real Madrid along with son Zaid, Spain responded by offering the father a place in the CENAFE national football school in the Getafe district of Madrid.

“I am overjoyed and extremely content. It is a dream come true”, Osama said gratefully on his arrival in Madrid from Germany, his previous stopping point. With him were Zaid as well as his other son, 18-year-old Muhammad, who had managed the frightening

journey from Turkey to Germany alone. The family were accompanied to Madrid by a student of the CENAFE football school, Mohamed Labruouzi from Morocco, who was able to act as translator as Osama speaks a little English but not Spanish.

The family will live in an apartment paid for via CENAFE’s charity association and the father will receive that allimportant Spanish employment contract. Zaid will hopefully be helped to forget his bad experiences during his training in the Villaverde Boetticher football school.

Regarding his escape, Osama said only that it was difficult and often life-threatening, and

declined to comment on the actions of Petra László. There was even more good news in

store for the refugees soon after their arrival. Despite his evident exhaustion young Zaid had repeatedly muttered the name Cristiano Ronaldo – one of Real Madrid Football Club’s biggest stars – and his fervent wishes were granted when the family was invited to meet the team, including Ronaldo, at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

And for the icing on the cake, CENAFE has assured them that the necessary formalities to bring Osama’s wife and two other children, who are currently still in a refugee camp in Turkey, will be completed as soon as possible so the family will be able to start a new life together.

President of the CENAFE soccer school Miguel Ángel Galán, who personally lobbied for the family, called on Spain to welcome further refugees, and n more quickly.

Art Exhibition

Charting cities An exhibition entitled Urban Atlas, a collection of watercolours by Puerto de la Cruz artist Antonio Rodríguez, is on at the La Recova Centro de Arte in Santa Cruz until October 4.

The mystical images depicting impressions of cities such as Paris, Chicago, Barcelona, Marrakech, San Francisco and various corners of Puerto de la Cruz show a depth of emotion. Cities for the artist are symbols of emotions, dreams, and all things spiritual, but are also the sites of bloodthirstiness and disappointments.

Find the art gallery in Plaza de la Isla Madera. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 1pm and 6pm to n 9pm, and Sundays 11am to 2pm.

San Cristo

Join the La Laguna passage One of the most important pilgrimages of the year is coming up on October 4.

Every year the La Laguna Pontificia Real and Venerable Esclavitud del Santísimo Cristo organises a pilgrimage to a different borough of Tenerife and 2015 is the turn of the parish

of El Tanque in the north.

The pilgrimage will begin at 8.45am in the Plaza del Cristo in La Laguna with prayers before the image of the La Laguna Saint Cristo.

From there, interested parties will be transported by bus to El Tanque to be received at

10.30am by the local mayor.

One hour later, the pilgrimage on foot towards the San Antonio de Padua church begins, arriving in time for the 12pm Eucharist and later procession with the image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario.

A restaurant lunch is planned

for 2pm, the return bus for 6pm and the event will close with a meeting before the image of La Laguna Santísimo Cristo in the Plaza del Cristo once more.

For more information contact Ricardo Glez Glez via: Icodense68@gmail.com or by calling: 639 639 833. n

‘Only the dead remain’ is the title of this interesting image

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

13

Drilling vessel controversy

The recent arrival of two giant oil rigs in Santa Cruz has opened a new controversy to that of last year’s drilling endeavours by the multinational Repsol company – and as usual it appears to be related to political hypocrisy.

Less than twelve months ago, several rigs arrived in Santa Cruz at the height of the local protest against Repsol’s plans to drill off the Canaries. At the time, several top local politicians openly called for a formal veto of any oil-related business, including rig stays. One year on and some of those same Tenerife politicians are now part of the new Canarian government and are conspicuously silent on the port’s frequent activity with drilling installations.

The recent arrival of the two rigs for costly maintenance is expected to generate around €1.5 million in revenue for the capital’s port, not to mention contracts for up to 160 skilled workers to carry out repairs and

Photo: Sabine Virgin

Rigs for the scrapheap?

Oil rigs in Santa Cruz port

essential maintenance. However, their presence has reignited the debate over whether authorities should encourage elements associated with the oil industry.

The West Eminence and West Taurus platforms span 83 metres by 115 metres. The docking manoeuvres of the

35,000 tonne Panama-registered West Eminence attracted a sizeable crowd of onlookers to the seafront when it arrived here some days before the Taurus. However, some were already openly questioning whether Tenerife should welcome them even if they do bring value for the economy.

Gone to ground

Photo: Christopher Bruno/freeimages.com

Lottery winner remains a mystery

Still undetected - the winner of €45 million in Tenerife

Efforts to identify a Tenerife winner who months ago scooped a massive €45 million on the lottery have so far failed to uncover the person, even in a small town such as Guargacho in the south of the island.

As reported here, the area hit the headlines back in February when the lottery authorities revealed that the second big-

gest prize ever handed out in Spain and biggest in the Canaries had been won by someone who purchased their combination of six random numbers and bonus in a Guargacho roadside café, which has a small lottery office.

Although the owners of the café have enjoyed, several times over, their champagne moment as the bringers of the

windfall, they have had no joy identifying the new rich person. Among the ‘suspects’ are a drinks delivery man and a young immigrant from North Africa.

Meanwhile few customers exit the bar after having a coffee and a snack without asking the computer based there to generate a combination of numbers for the following week’s draw, in the hope that lightning will strike twice in Guargacho.

The head of the regional office of the Spanish lottery in Santa Cruz, Luis de Montis, says he has heard the rumours as to the identity of the multimillionaire but has no idea who the person really is. “In the old days, winners were delighted to be in the papers collecting their cheque but not anymore” he explained.

In any event, the only certainty is that under tax legislation, the Inland Revenue takes a 20 per cent slice of the winnings. n

Seadrill is an offshore drilling company based in Bermuda and is the third largest oil and gas rig operator in the world. The company controls the West Eminence and West Taurus rigs, with their stay in Tenerife generating a significant cash boost and temporary employment for the

capital. This involves a close collaboration between Seadrill and Canarian administrations, including customs and port authorities, in order to attract the lucrative project and efficiently complete the required works.

However, there is another angle. What if these giant drill-ships and platforms no longer have a use? The Ensco DS1, DS2, 6000 and 7500 vessels were recently brought to Santa Cruz where they have been sitting around until further notice, possibly reflecting the recent price drop of crude oil by 13 per cent since July 2014, which currently stands at less than $50 per barrel.

Deep sea prospecting is expensive. Additionally, 85 new platforms were brought into the market during the last three years, which makes up 30 per cent of the total number, effectively reducing the lifespan of many of those older platforms,

some of which have more than 30 years at sea.

A Nordea Markets study which was commissioned by Morgan Stanley financial services and entitled Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, painted a rather gloomy picture of the current situation. They say that market regulation is necessary, and that approximately 200 offshore installations and drilling vessels – of which 109 are platforms – must be scrapped in the next two years. Included in its so-called ‘death list’ are the four Ensco vessels idly hanging about the Santa Cruz port.

According to Nordea, something similar occurred just before the turn of the new millennium when demand fell by 25 per cent and many corporate fleets had to be reduced by 20 per cent.

While some are celebrating the current lucrative contracts, there are others who believe that the bubble is well and n truly about to burst.

14

TENERIFE GENERAL

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Hope for forgotten town

In the 1960s and 70s the northern coastal resort of Bajamar in the borough of San Cristóbal de La Laguna was the second most important tourist destination in Tenerife after Puerto de La Cruz.

It was a golden period for the town, culminating in the construction of three prominent hotels, the Nautilus, Neptuno and Delfín Bajamar. The resort was a trendy must for residents and tourists, and every August saw the town filled with so many visitors that locals often rented out private rooms to meet the demand.

Bajamar was particularly popular with German tourists and other Northern Europeans, as well as having a small NorthAmerican market, and local nightspots like Club Náutico and Tiboli offered visitors a nocturnal appeal.

It was also a desired spot for weddings and family celebrations due to its fashionable status, and in April 1964 it was declared an area of tourist interest. For all its former glory, there is little left

Photo: Ayuntamiento La Laguna

Lowly Bajamar to rise again?

The area of Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo was once a thriving tourist destination

there today to suggest it was once a sought-after holiday option. When South Tenerife started to be developed, with the 1980s seeing particularly rapid growth, the island’s appeal shifted south and Bajamar fell into a deep sleep, in which, in terms of tourism, it remains today.

Hotel Nautilus has been converted into apartments, and

Hotel Delfín Bajamar became an Alzheimer centre in 2011, although it closed two years later and the bank repossessed the former hotel after investing in its reconstruction. Today the building is for sale at a price of €2.7 million. Hotel Neptuno closed its doors in 2007 and was auctioned off, but the new owner abandoned it and the building soon became a target

for vandals and looters. Since 2010 it has been up for sale for €3 million.

The Neptuno’s former splendour has peeled off and it stands as a ruin that is in danger of collapsing if investment isn’t forthcoming. Authorities even considered having the entire building demolished after locals demanded the removal of the eyesore, but the plans have recently been put on hold.

There is hope that the Neptuno can be awakened from its poor state and revisit its glory days.

Russian investors are currently in negotiation to convert the decrepit old hotel into a 92 room modern complex with 27 upmarket villas, gardens, pool, and large parking facilities. At present no decision has been made on its sale and approval of the project.

If plans go ahead then the resort may well breathe some life into the old town and encourage more local investment and renewed interest.

Bajamar may rise from the n ashes yet.

Tenerife exports flourish

Booming basil

In terms of exports, most people would associate Tenerife with products such as bananas and tomatoes, two of the island’s main generators of export revenue.

Cut flowers also occupy an important place among Tenerife’s most visible products abroad but a new kid on the block is emerging in the form of home-grown basil, which is finding increasing favour in countries such as Germany and Britain. Farms in the south of the island are currently producing thousands of kilos for shipping by plane to countries in northern Europe and the signs are that what is still a relatively small-scale industry, at least compared to bananas, will blossom further in the coming years.

Tenerife basil exports have mushroomed in recent times and one leading producer, who operates large farms in the Granadilla area dedicated almost exclusively to the aromatic herb, says he cannot supply leading customers fast enough. n

Hardworking helpers package the goods

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

TENERIFE GENERAL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

15

Moringa Garden now a park

Spreading the unique leaf miracle The former Contiempo bodega estate in the Güímar valley will now house the fascinating Moringa Park.

Around five years ago, owner Andreas W. Kraus began experimenting with growing Moringa in the Islands. He first tried in the north of Tenerife but began searching for the best growing conditions in Güímar - and the Moringa Garden project was born.

The development has been so successful that the gardens will open as a visitor park in October, complete with guided tours. As well as a variety of Moringa trees there are also tropical plants, the legendary baobab trees, an enchanting garden with a wishing well, and some magnificent viewpoints overlooking lush vegetation. There’s also a small shop selling food products, such as high-quality Moringa oil, spices and a line of cosmetics, with staff who are happy to advise their customers.

The Moringa oasis on the former Contiempo estate Moringa as far as the eye can see. Mature, ready-to-harvest and smaller plants are alternated

Moringa

Dr. Markus P. Forster demonstrates how fast and tall the plants grow in the warm summer months

The Moringa tree, grown in many subtropical and tropical areas of the world, has several other names in English, including horseradish tree and mother’s best friend – this latter being due to it apparently being able to stimulate milk production. The most commonly cultivated form – Moringa oleifera - is originally from the southern foothills of the Himalayas in north-western India.

In Vedic medicine, the tree has long been known as a healing source and is used for a variety of applications. There are 13 different species, of which

eight are to be found in Moringa Park. Moringa oleifera, in particular, contains an extremely high number of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids, but does need that tropical or subtropical climate to survive.

Kraus hunted for an appropriate location for a very long time. “I’ve searched the world for a suitable site and finally found one in Tenerife. We also tried in Fuerteventura, but we soon realised it wasn’t good enough as the air is too salty and the wind too cold.”

The Moringa tree loves air and soil temperatures from 20

leaf is dried, then stems and leaf shoots are screened and later processed to make animal food. What is ground to powder and sold as tea is pure quality leaf with concentrated ingredients. Each batch is checked by external bodies and in cooperation with the University of La Laguna. It has been proven

figure was 75,800, and that has already risen by 15,000 micromol TE per 100g.

that the beneficial content of the Tenerife Moringa is particularly high.

help, and you can even plant your own tree! Guided tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment.

The park opens in the winter (10 September to 14 May) from Monday to Saturday, from 9.30am to 6pm, and it stays open for an extra two hours in the summer. You can find the Moringa Park in Calle Chinguaro 26 (in the San Francisco Javier neighbourhood) in Güímar. It is best to leave the motorway at the Arafo turn-off, and drive towards Arafo. The road takes you about two kilometres uphill to a T-junction. There, turn left to the roundabout, and take the left turn into Calle Chinguaro where you’ll find Moringa Park. Contact the service team on 922 510 677 or e-mail office@moringagarden. eu . There’s more information and an online store at www. n moringapark.eu.

A genuine marvel

degrees Celsius and above: the hotter, the better. He added “When a calima is announced and everyone else is moaning, I am happy because I can almost see the Moringa trees growing.

My record was a metre in just three days. I know that in many areas, the tree was accredited with healing powers. I know that anyone who consumes the plant regularly notices a difference.”

Working alongside him is Dr. Markus P. Forster, a nutrition and food scientist who is responsible for product development and quality control.

Among other contributions, he has created a particularly effective and gentle way of drying at Moringa Park, where quality standards are high and strictly ecological cultivation methods are used. The whole

Generally speaking, the Moringa tree contains a total of 92 different nutrients and 46 antioxidants. It has a very high content of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, as well as good quantities of iron, zinc, copper, and manganese, amongst others. It also contains 18 amino acids, including the nine that are essential for health. Moringa also has a high vitamin content, especially in the A, C, E and B groups.

The ORAC value, a North American measuring unit that determines ability to neutralise free radicals, reveals some very interesting facts about the park. At the beginning of the planting in Tenerife the ORAC

Walk among the Moringas Anyone can visit Moringa Park and enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The trained staff will be happy to

16

TENERIFE GENERAL

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Promotion

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This means they are authorised to provide the recognised official certificates to bars, restaurants and complexes that

are necessary to comply with Spanish law. Whilst Safe Clean works with major management companies, estate agents, laundries and administration businesses, they are also proud of the service they offer the private sector, where they will

respond to all pest problems on a ‘same day’ basis.

Not only does Safe Clean tackle the obvious problems like ants, cockroaches, mice and rats, they will also eradicate wasps, bedbugs and even woodworm. Interestingly, bees

are out of bounds as they are a protected species. If, however, you find a bee’s nest, your port of call would be the local authorities.

The company aims to provide a service that cannot be matched. Offering home collection and 72 hour turn-around delivery on carpets, they also clean sofas and suites in record time. And a full commercial clean of up to 500m2 can be completed in just one visit!

Make Safe Clean your first port of call for upholstery cleaning, carpet cleaning and pest control – you won’t be disappointed!

For more information call Safe Clean today on 666 n 192119.

Montaña Roja fans see red

Campsite closure sparks heated debate The decision of the Tenerife authorities to close the popular Montaña Roja campsite in Granadilla and cancel the lease of the company that runs it has triggered a war of words between its fans and critics.

The surprise move, which the Island Council says was due to the operator’s “failure to implement improvements to the campsite” - a condition of the renewal of the contract a year ago -, will mean the site closes as of October 1 and

The Montaña Roja campsite is popular with holidaymakers and locals

a new tender will be organised to find a replacement.

The explanation is hotly disputed by Alberto Hoefsmit,

who says he was granted a 25-year contract and has invested a small fortune on improvements since he took over in 2009, adding that over 1600 signatures have already been received on a petition supporting the continuation of the site.

According to the Council, the quality of service at the campsite has fallen considerably and is reflected in the lower occupancy recorded of late, an argument strenuously denied n

by Hoefsmit.

Airport buses: confusion continues What will it take for Tenerife’s tourism authorities to step in and force bus company TITSA, which is publicly-owned, to do a proper job of informing arriving passengers at Tenerife South airport of timetables and routes?

Rarely a day goes by without many tourists scratching their heads trying to make sense of the complicated new info panels to work out when they can make their onward journey to the resorts and other parts of the island.

The electronic board is an absolute disaster and not only is difficult to spot but rarely has accurate information on imminent departures. However, worst of all is the new schedule put up in late July on the stop for one of the airport’s busy routes. Foreign passengers need to have a detailed knowledge of the island to calculate the arrival time of the 343 bus which stops in Tenerife South en route to Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, given that the schedule gives the departure time from Puerto de la Cruz, over 90 kilometres away, but no reference to the all-important time it calls into the airport!

The lack of proper information invariably leads passengers, many of them elderly now that the summer season is behind us, to besiege drivers on any TITSA bus calling in for details of when they might expect to see the bus they need.

One passenger recently arrived from Dublin on September 11 called the information system “an absolute shambles” and a terrible advertisement for Tenerife. “Would it be that difficult to put up a large screen at the terminal building listing all the next buses for the coming couple of hours?” n she asked aloud.

One very confusing schedule

TENERIFE GENERAL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

Stand by for the next book from our restaurant reviewer, author John Searancke, whose Dog Days in The Fortunate Islands has been a riproaring success, particularly so in these islands because it dealt with his move, with wife and dog, from England to a new and better life in northern Tenerife.

John Searancke, restaurant The abundance of useful reviewer and author information for those thinkextraordinaire ing of making the change themselves, coupled with hilarious exploits, particularly with their dog, make this book a ‘must have’ holiday read.

And now, with his new book, entitled Prunes for Breakfast, John moves to a darker story set in World War 2, narrating the tale of his father, an enlisted man who became an officer, who fought in Normandy and was later captured and sent to a German POW camp. The story is all the more poignant for the use of family archive letters backing up the extensive research, all in order to bring to life this tale of human endeavour - which almost jumps off the page and is sure to leave you wanting more.

Dog Days in The Fortunate Islands is available at all good Canary Islands bookstores, or online at Amazon or other sales outlets. Amazon are now also accepting advance orders for Prunes for Breakfast, or you can reserve a copy of either or both of them simply by contacting John at Island Connections.

Keep an eye on future issues of this newspaper because we shall be carrying more information, and an author interview, n as publication date draws nearer.

It´s not too soon to order your copy of Prunes for Breakfast

The survival specialists A group of scientists from the UK, Spain, France, Portugal and Germany recently met at the Canarian Oceanography Centre for the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) to discuss research on the biology, ecology and habits of cephalopods in European waters.

Ultimately their aim is to advise governments on sustainable protection programmes and how EU directives and policies affect the cephalopod population in Europe, particularly in regards to the fishing industry and cephalopod fisheries. The organisation plays an important intermediary position and advises committees on maritime policy to ensure the preservation of biological and ecological balance.

The Working Group on Cephalopod Fisheries and Life History (WGCEPH) was organised as part of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and is made up of 39 scientists from 11 different countries.

ICES is a global organisation that scientifically advises on the sustainable use of the oceans, and has over 4,000 scientists from over 350 marine institutes in 20 member countries.

Cephalopods are exclusively marine animals which are characterised by bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head and a set of tentacles. Fishermen sometimes call them ink-fish, referring to their common ability to squirt ink. The class now contains two distantly related subclasses: Coleoidea, which includes octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish; and Nautiloidea, represented by Nautilus

Photo: Nhobgood CC

Prunes for Breakfast

A bigfin reef squid

Octopuses, squids and cuttlefish are all cephalopods

and Allonautilus. About 900 living species of cephalopods have been identified, and the study of them is known as teuthology.

They are an important fishery resource and a major source of protein for people in many countries. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations

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17

Top scientists meet in Tenerife

Book review

Photo: David Sim CC

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

Check out our reviews on Tripadvisor

(FAO), over four million tons of cephalopods were caught in 2012.

Cephalopods originated around 500 million years ago when the first molluscs were able to fill certain parts of their body with gas to float, allowing them to leave the seabed and access other depths as well as the water’s surface.

Beyond commercial interests, cephalopods are active predators and play an important role in the ecosystem. They feed on many species and are themselves food for whales, seals, penguins, albatrosses and other fish. They are also important for science and biomedical research which directly benefits humans.

The life cycle of these invertebrates is characterised by very rapid growth, and most species live between one and two years. They have a high fertility rate and produce hundreds of thousands of eggs, dying upon completion of their reproductive cycle.

Cephalopods are considered one of the most intelligent species of the invertebrates, and have well developed senses and large brains with a complex nervous system. The brain is protected in a cartilaginous cranium and their bulky nerve fibres have been used for many years in neurophysiology experimentation and research. Their large diameter makes them relatively easy to study compared to other animals.

Cephalopods are social creatures, and some can fly through the air for distances of up to 50 metres which, despite not being particularly aerodynamic, they achieve by jet-propulsion. Water is expelled from the funnel while it’s in the air and they spread their fins and tentacles to control lift force with body posture.

Due to their short life cycle, its population demonstrates great adaptability with relation to changes in their ecosystem caused by natural factors such as climate, or by human action like fishing, making them the n specialists of survival.

18

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Promotion

Activate: much more than sports Activate is a new and exciting sports club in the heart of Costa Adeje.

Located opposite the entrance to the Baobab Suites, the Activate Sports Club opened just six months ago.

Island Connections recently spoke to the owner of Activate and managing director of Baobab Suites, Filip Hoste. A Belgian businessman who has lived in Tenerife for 20 years, Filip told us that he has always been interested in sports and that he thinks of the Activate Sports Club as the fulfilling of a dream and an investment for the area, saying he created it to complement the zone and the Baobab Suites.

However, this is no ordinary sports club where you see row upon row of fitness machines and faces you may, or may not, know, and who appear at certain times to work out then go on their merry way.

Activate is more a selective club that is open to everyone, offering a personal touch with small groups for each activity.

Filip said he wanted to create a morning, afternoon and early evening venue where you’ll always find people you know, whether you participate in the sports or not.

During the time Filip has lived in Tenerife he has spotted a big shortfall in the south: the lack of venues for socialising and meeting friends. The idea behind Activate is that with small groups of four to six in each class, those people will get to know each other, and when their classes finish may even visit the Fuel Restobar for drinks and snacks, and meet the similarly small groups from different classes. Filip could

Filip Hoste, the owner of Activate and managing director of Baobab Suites

The delightful pool area at Activate

The quality sports store sells top brand padel and sports clothing and materials

not have placed more emphasis on the importance of sports being a sociable and enjoyable activity.

Activate has an extremely high quality centre for personal training, perfect for those who would like a tailor-made training plan, or for others who just want to take a few classes, meet people and unwind. It doesn’t matter which, Activate offers you the chance to experience a different kind of club, where you’ll feel mentally relaxed within a warm and fun atmosphere.

The group classes include invigorating Power Yoga with ben-

efits for both mind and body; the elegant Hatha Yoga, which strengthens and activates the body, mind and mood and is suitable for all ages or abilities; and Yoga Vibe, a stimulating fusion of different styles.

Pole Fit provides a total body workout that targets arms, legs and the abdomen, and Pole Basis is a simpler version suitable for all levels, especially beginners.

Energy 30 uses high intensity interval training with toning exercises, abdominals or boxing to fire up your metabolism.

Aerofight is an energetic cardio workout incorporating martial

The artificial beach with the Fuel Restobar in the background

arts elements, and also available are cycling, fusion belly dancing, energetic and inspiring zumba, and aquafit.

Activate’s personal touch is present in all these activities and that principle applies even more to personal training. The trainers truly get to know their clients, their history, personality and goals, not to mention any relevant injuries, medical conditions or physical limitations they may have. You can opt for one-to-one personal training, or two of you can train together, motivate each other and share the fun experience.

Top athletes can take advantage of personal training activities they wouldn’t normally do, and there are plans to accommodate golfers.

Activate also offers swimming lessons, private lessons for any of the classes listed, and Padel, a sociable sport usually played in pairs, with rules similar to tennis except that the balls can bounce off the glass walls. It’s great for all ages and has a huge following and aftergame social scene.

BodyArt classes given by Laura Ozola are a fabulous, intense

and complete mind and body workout created by Robert Steinbacher. Based on the Yin and Yang principle and the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine, BodyArt combines strength, flexibility, cardio training and breathing.

High quality Pilates classes for adults, children and pregnant women are also offered by Ana Lozano. There are several types of group classes, but before you can join these you’ll need to take at least five personal Pilates training sessions. Book yours now on 674 272 606.

Other services include physiotherapy, the Box by eFit (an electrostimulation jacket), and a quality sports store selling padel and sports clothing and materials from top brands.

Activate is unique as it has facilities for children, which you’ll find on the artificial beach right in front of the Fuel Restobar, and which is equipped with hammocks, cushions, parasols, a trampoline, and spaces for beach games such as volleyball. Parents can enjoy their activities or drinks while the little ones play safely.

The Fuel Restobar is the hub of Activate’s dynamic social scene, serving healthy, fresh food and drinks, without taking the concept to extremes.

The nutritious and tasty menu includes fruit juices, salads and lean grilled meat and fish dishes. There’s also a selection of freshly prepared cocktails and delicious desserts, so bearing in mind that a healthy lifestyle is all about balance, you can still treat yourself now and again! This is a perfect place to hang out with your friends or family on the spacious shady terrace, and maybe celebrate match wins with a cool beer.

Everyone is welcome, and it’s open until around 10pm.

Filip Hoste has created a fabulous venue where you can enjoy sports with a smile, and meet and make friends.

The official opening of the Activate Sports Club takes place on September 26 from 6pm to 10pm with lots of activities and presentations. Attendance is by invitation only, so why not pop by and collect yours, or send an email to info@tenerifeactivate.com.

It’s easy to join Activate and book your sessions online at: www.tenerifeactivate.com, or by calling 822 070 037. You can download the app from Google n Play or the App Store.

Activate Sports Club C/ Roques de Salmor, 7 Costa Adeje

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

En Pie

Make it Masca Local mental health charity En Pie is busy preparing for its 3rd annual Masca hike and kayak event – and this is your chance to show support for this wonderful charity.

The sponsored challenge starts in Los Gigantes on October 10 in Celebration of World Mental Health Day. Once everyone has come together in the port there will be organised transfers to the village of Masca. After a hike down the valley to Masca beach, those who choose to can then kayak back to Los Gigantes – all in time for a party with live music in Los Gigantes harbour.

En Pie’s mission includes raising awareness about living with a mental health condition and to ensure that those affected are empowered and supported to lead the life they desire. The foundation is a private entity which does not rely on government backing so these fundraising events are vital.

En Pie will once again be joined by friends and fellow charity ‘Helping Hands’ that works to help enrich the lives of underprivileged children on the island – so your help will be two-fold. There is a minimum sponsorship fee of just €50 to take part and if you don’t fancy the walk and / or kayaking there’s no need to worry – there are plenty of ways you can help out.

For more information see: www.enpie.org / Fundación en pie on facebook, or call: Lisa or Carlos on 636 271 853 n / 633 764 774 or Liz on 661 274 281.

19

Promotion

If music be the food of love...

A recent presentation for the inauguration of the Yamaha Music School in Adeje was attended by some very excited parents and music lovers.

The reason for their enthusiasm? For the first time ever, both children and adults in Tenerife will be able to take advantage of the worldrenowned Yamaha teaching system – a fun and innovative way to appreciate and master a whole range of musical skills.

Yamaha schools offer classes for children as young as six months old right up to those well past their three score and ten. It’s never too late to learn how to sing or play an instrument, and it’s certainly never too early – very young children have the ability to pick up the basic skills extremely easily.

Through age-appropriate activities, images, songs and a wide variety of hands-on experiences, students develop an array of abilities, in fun and inspiring group or individual classes.

Yamaha’s methods are based on 50 successful years of experience, leading more than six million children and adults towards appreciation, creativity, and aptitude. Students learn how to listen, play, read and understand every aspect of music. As younger pupils advance, they go on to study performance, improvisation and composition, and for

adults the method offers the perfect opportunity to learn in a relaxing, non-threatening environment – always with a focus on enjoyment.

This last aspect was particularly evident at the opening presentation. From classical piano renditions through saxophone and drumming demonstrations, to talks on the history of particular instruments, the one-hour show had the audience entertained and amused throughout. Several of the school’s current teachers performed, allowing prospective pupils to get to know the people who would be leading them on their journey through the beauty of music.

So what exactly can you and your children learn at the Adeje school? There’s saxophone, double bass, piano, drums, flute, vocals and all types of

guitar, as well as music therapy and mixed courses for the very youngest budding maestros.

But it’s not all about just mastering an instrument – research has consistently shown that intellectual, emotional, physical and social development is positively influenced by the study of music. Basically, it’s just all-round good for you, and the Yamaha method uses this knowledge to encourage a healthy mind, body and spirit in all students.

People in 40 countries have already benefited from the system and now it can be your turn. Whether you’re a parent who wants to introduce your child to music or an adult that wants to fulfil your lifelong ambition to play, there is a Yamaha program for you.

You can find this wonderful door to the world of music

Guitar teacher extraordinaire: Alex Altamirano Drum teacher Andrés Hernández Herrero gave a booming demonstration of his skill

just opposite the cultural centre in Adeje, at Calle Principe Pelinor, 21. You can visit their website at: www.ymusicschooladeje.com, or you can call: (0034) 922 083547 / 610 424 329.

So if music be your food of love, why not get in touch today n and play on…

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20

FOOD

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Guachinche La Finca in La Victoria

Photos: www.inselteneriffa.com

Have you already discovered it?

The chickpea stew is a hearty meal and very typical of the island cuisine

A rural idyll in the middle of vineyards

Delicious, traditional dishes with an authentic country flair, all enjoyed whilst sitting under beautiful vines.

La Finca guachinche provides such an idyllic opportunity from May through to December every year.

This small holding is tucked away in the vineyards above

La Victoria, and on arrival the guest has the choice of taking an outdoor table under a roof made entirely of vines or of sitting inside the quaint restaurant housed in former stables and living quarters. The charcoal grill is set right in the middle, and it’s from here that the meat gets its characteristic

wood and smoky flavour.

Meals are served with the finca’s own red wine that has a round berry-like flavour and is very tasty.

As is typical for these informal restaurants, a menu cannot be found for love nor money: The owner or waitress simply tells every guest what is available on any given day.

The meals are all typical of the island’s cuisine. For instance, there are various types of home-

Meats are all perfectly grilled - in this case, rabbit

made croquettes, fresh goats’ cheese, chickpea dishes or a fruity black pudding, called morcilla, for starters. A crisp salad is also usually available.

For the main course, meat is served, which is cooked to a juicy finish on the charcoal grill. The daily choices can be seen in the large meat counter - from rabbit and chicken to beef and pork. Every dish is tasty and well prepared. If you

Bitter fun

A highball star - Campari Sunset, palm trees, romance, holidays or a simple after-work moment and the desire for a refreshing drink?

No matter what the mood, a Campari with orange juice or mineral water is always a good option. Most people are familiar with this bright red drink, but who knows what is actually in it? The herbal liqueur from Italy began its life in the 1840s as a bitters-style aperitif, but by 1860 Gaspare Campari’s various efforts at producing the perfect drink had developed it into the Campari we know and love today.

In 1904 the first production plant opened in Sesto San Giovanni, a location chosen for its excellent national and international rail links, in a forward-thinking aim to make the brand more accessible to wider markets.

Under the guiding hand of Davide Campari, Gaspare’s

pure as a general rule, but goes very well indeed with a variety of mixers.

Campari Mojito

How about a delicious Campari mojito?

son, the drink was first spread to neighbouring Nice and soon after to further overseas. Today Campari is available in 190 countries but is a closely guarded secret: only the current president of the company, Luca Garavoglia, knows the complete recipe. Some reports say that more than 80 different ingredients are

needed to produce the tasty beverage, including herbs, quinine, spices, ginseng and, it’s rumoured, a hint of Cascarilla bark. A fruity note is said to be provided by orange peel, rhubarb and pomegranate, amongst others – but nobody really knows for sure.

Campari contains about 25 per cent alcohol and is not drunk

Many enjoy the delicious taste of Campari combined with orange juice or soda, and may also know – and love – the wonderful Cuban Mojito: the epitome of a southern holiday mood. But how does a mixture of both sound? For a Campari Mojito the juice of half a lime is mixed with a teaspoon of brown sugar in a highball glass. Add three large ice cubes or some crushed ice, along with a few mint leaves.

Now about forty ml of Campari are added and the rest made up with bottled water. For decoration you can use a slice of lemon and a little mint. Then all that’s left is to simply sit n back, relax and enjoy!

desire, you may also partake in one of the delicious homemade desserts. Though there isn’t a menu - only specials that change daily, you don’t have to worry about not being previously informed about the cost of each dish: the prices are fair and surprisingly economical.

La Finca guachinche is quite easy to find. At the Guardia Civil station in La Victoria de Acentejo, turn left up the

mountain. Continue straight up for approximately three kilometres and you will happen upon the finca (The road is an extension of Calle Pedro Hernández).

There are, unusually, also signs to help you. You can also find it on Google maps.

Table reservations can be made by calling 922 582 156 or 637 332 569. The guachinche opens from Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm, and on Sundays from 12pm to 5pm.

And why not make a whole day of it? Visiting the restaurant during daytime can be a good excuse to combine it with a drive through the vineyards and chestnut tree laden countryside. There are also magnificent views of the north coast and the area is perfect for a bike ride.

Those who prefer to visit in the evening can rejoice in the balmy weather and beautiful panorama n and sunsets.

Don’t miss it!

Terraza del Botánico Last edition we inadvertently mixed up the details of the wonderful review on the Terraza del Botánico restaurant in Puerto de la Cruz.

The restaurant serves a delicious range of foods and drinks and we’d hate you to miss out - so here are the address and contacts to make sure you know exactly where to go: Terraza del Botánico Calle Retama 3, Edificio Retama, Local 4/5, La Paz, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.

Tel: 922 376 027 Open: 12 noon to 11 pm.

The Terraza del Botánico is well worth a visit

020

Canary Islands’ attractions for tourists and residents Island life

Contact details

Music and entertainment

Cultural agenda

Summary of the Canaries

General information

Spin news

What’s on

Page 22 & 23

Pages 24 & 25

Page 26 & 27

Page 28

Celtas Cortos in concert

La Orotava will rock to the sounds of Celtas Cortos on September 26 for the 20th anniversary of the La Escalera Cultural Association.

The rock and Celtic fusion band will play in the town’s Plaza del V Centenario in celebration of 20 years of the association’s work promoting traditions, ecological balance and the Canarian identity in the La Orotava area.

Association members organise and take part in cultural projects that inspire creativity, social collaboration and a spirit of solidarity.

“After many years of hard work, we wanted an event that would bring together all those who have supported our projects and encouraged us to move forward with our goals for preserving the area’s traditions for future generations”, said a spokesperson for the association following the announcement of the concert.

Photo: Elemaki CC

20th anniversary Celts!

Celtas Cortos in concert The Celtas Cortos concert, organised by La Orotava’s La Escalera Cultural Association

Wanting something special to celebrate its landmark anniversary, La Escalera chose Celtas Cortos with their perceptive and socially discerning lyrics.

The band formed in Valladolid, Spain, in 1984. Goyo, César, Carlos and Óscar, four students and friends, formed a folk group called Colectivo de

Música del Instituto Delicias with Luis, a French teacher at the college they attended.

Over the course of the next couple of years the band underwent several line-up and name changes until, in 1986, the now eight-piece took part in a regional competition under the name Colectivo Eurofolk.

Winning that contest gave

them the focus they needed to continue.

The band’s identity change to Celtas Cortos was inspired by the brand of tobacco that drummer Nacho Castro smoked. It was proposed as a joke, but sticks to this day, and instantly conjures up images of the inimitable rocking rebels the band became.

In 1987 they were selected to participate in an RNE radio station competition for the prize

of recording an album alongside two other featured bands.

Several of Celtas Cortos’ instrumentals were included in the resulting album Así es como suena. Only 500 copies were released, mostly as promos, but since the band found success, the disc has become a soughtafter collector’s piece.

In just one week and a half, in early 1989, the group recorded their first album Salida de emergencia which eventually

went on to sell 60,000 copies and set them on the road as recording artists.

In early 1990 the second album, Gente impresentable, appeared which set the scene for their lyrical punch and mix of other styles with Celtic folk, including rap, reggae and rock elements. That album sold over 180,000 copies, and several singles from it all charted well.

The band was also becoming a popular live attraction and performed over 100 concerts during that year. Other notable albums include Cuéntame un cuento (1991), En estos días inciertos (1996), C’est la vie (2003), 40 de abril (2008), and Contratiempos, produced last year.

Celtas Cortos will perform in the Plaza del V Centenario, La Orotava, on September 26 at 10pm. Tickets cost just €15.

For more information simply n visit: www.laorotava.es.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

The Canaries have what is considered one of the best climates anywhere on the planet, making the Islands the perfect destination for all year round tourism.

ous luxury hotels and some very nice, small white sand beaches.

In the foothills above these towns you will find three great places to visit. Siam Park (The Water Kingdom), recently declared the best in the world, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to adrenaline freaks. See: www. siampark.net Aqualand, on Avenida de Austria, a water park with a dolphin show.

See: www.aqualand.es.

The Jungle Park, at Las Águilas del Teide, is great fun for kids of all ages. See: www.aguilasjunglepark.com

Tenerife Teide National Park The highest peak in Spain, at 3,718m, is one of Tenerife’s greatest attractions. It is possible to hike to the top, and also to catch the cable car. See: www.telefericoteide.com.

To access the summit of the volcano, Pico del Teide, you need to obtain a free permit in advance, issued by the Administration Office of the National Park, which you can download at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es.

Los Gigantes

Fañabé beach

summer solstices. See: www. piramidesdeguimar.es

Santa Cruz

Playa de Las Américas

Photo: ubik2010

Santa Cruz, the vibrant, bustling capital city of Tenerife, is located on the northeast coast.

It has a variety of interesting museums and art galleries, a well maintained historical centre, and an important commercial port. See: www.santacruzmas.com.

The town of Puerto de la Cruz was a popular tourist destination long before the south was.

Its attractive and busy town centre has maintained its picturesque fishing-village charm, and nearby is the prestigious, award-winning Loro Parque Zoo. See: www.loroparque.com.

One of the prettiest towns on the island, La Orotava also gives its name to the whole valley, which has a very prosperous history. The town centre has beautiful old mansions reflecting the wealth of the past.

Anaga Rural Park The Anaga Rural Park occupies much of the mountainous mas-

Los Cristianos sif in the northeastern corner of Tenerife. This is a steeplysloping area with exceptional natural and cultural treasures, and amazing landscapes.

Güímar This northeastern town is best known for the ethnographic park which was developed

by Thor Heyerdahl. The pyramids are a complex construction, astronomically orientated according to the winter and

Once a little fishing village, Los Cristianos began as a tourist destination for ailing Swedes who came to enjoy some rest and recuperation. From the port you can take a ferry to La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro.

The two main beaches offer safe swimming with disabled access.

Costa Adeje Costa Adeje is an upmarket area of South West Tenerife

Qfm, Spain’s only Cool Jazz Radio station www.Qmusica.com

94.3

(South Tenerife)

www

(Worldwide)

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Puerto de la Cruz

Adán Martín auditorium

La Orotava

Teide National Park

Currently Tenerife’s main tourist destination, this area has spectacular views of La Gomera. There’s a big night-life scene which attracts younger tourists, but it’s also somewhere you can relax, eat, and go sailing, whale and dolphin watching or golfing.

La Laguna La Laguna, a university city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It has a lively night life and a thriving cultural scene.

which is popular with European, Russian and national tourists. There are vari-

The town of Los Gigantes, which lives mainly from tourism but on a much more modest scale than Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristianos, is overlooked by the towering cliffs. There is good diving and a small harbour.

Daily Cultural Guide updated every day in English at 07:45, 09:45, 11:45, 13:45, 15:45, 17:45 & 19:45.

And don’t miss Qfm’s famous Sunset Sessions, an exclusive chill-out mix every evening.

The Asociación Cultural para la Difusión de las Artes y las Músicas de Canarias, registered with the Gobierno de Canarias (G1/S1/16504-10/TF), operates and administers Qfm94.3 within Ley 7/2010 - Artículo 32.

©2014 FLN

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24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

Other islands La Gomera Only a 45 minute ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos, La Gomera is a small, peaceful island with amazing hiking and a pre-historic rainforest which is a UNESCO world heritage site and the only one of its kind left in the world.

The ferry will take you to the capital, San Sebastián, famous for being Christopher Columbus’ last stop before crossing the Atlantic on his voyage of discovery.

Valle Gran Rey, in the southwest of the island, and Playa

HOLIDAY GUIDE

23

is Fuencaliente: the place to go in La Palma to see a real volcanic landscape. The western side of this borough has nice beaches and withstood the many volcanic eruptions the island has suffered, the most recent being the Teneguía volcano in1971.

La Palma has a lovely variant of Carnival called Los Indianos, where everyone dresses in white and people take to the streets during the day to cover everything, including each other, in talcum powder.

like parts of North Africa than it does the other islands. The interior is mainly empty, with a few sun bleached villages and a surprising amount of goats, but the coast has some lovely towns and villages and kilometres of white sand beaches ideal for sunbathing and surfing. The capital is Puerto del Rosario, a relatively modern port town, rather sleepy and quiet despite the fact that nearly half of the island’s population live there.

The two main tourist towns are at opposite ends of the island; Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in the south.

Gran Canaria Las Canteras beach, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

green and rugged, with breathtaking sights and one of the best places in the world for star gazing, hence the location of the world’s most important astrophysical observatories on its Roque de los Muchachos.

The capital, Las Palmas, is a much bigger city than Santa Cruz de Tenerife and has a nice historical quarter, a good night-life and Las Canteras - a long, yellow sand beach with areas for supervised swimming - and another beach for surfers of all levels. The main tourist areas are Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, with its beauti-

Lanzarote Lanzarote is known as the ‘Isla de los Volcanes’, with over 300 volcanic cones. Like Fuerteventura, it’s flatter than the other islands and there’s very little rain, even by Canarian standards. The whole island was

El Golfo, El Hierro

Garajonay National Park, La Gomera

Santiago, in the south, are the main tourist towns. Valle Gran Rey is a beautiful valley with good beaches and great restaurants. The harbour still has a small fishing fleet.

Garajonay National Park houses an ancient laurisilva (laurel) forest at its heart, with over 400 species of flora and fauna. The forest was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.

El Hierro The smallest and westernmost of all the islands, El Hierro only has three municipalities; Valverde, Frontera and El Pinar.

For exploring, it’s best to hire a car, and you can easily drive all over the island in a day. Valverde is a small town in the north, the only capital in the

Canaries not located on the coast. Frontera (El Golfo) is a milder, bigger town to the west, with more going on and better weather, and right down in the south is La Restinga, famous for its diving.

La Palma Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the pretty island), La Palma is

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The capital, Santa Cruz, lies to the east of the island. It’s a pretty city of seafaring tradition, although Los Llanos de Aridane in the west is in fact the biggest city on La Palma.

The towns in the north of La Palma are also very beautiful and in the south of the island

ful sand-dunes and all-night bars and clubs. The island also has some spectacular archaeological sites.

Fuerteventura Flat, arid and sparsely populated, this island looks more

declared a Biosphere Reserve

by UNESCO, and those who take the time to explore the island will find it’s strangely beautiful. The capital is Arrecife, to the east, and the three main tourist resorts are Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

General information for visitors

Useful contacts Tenerife Santa Cruz Tourist Office, Plaza de España Tel: (0034) 922 281 287/922 289 287 Open Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat, Sun: 9.30am-1.30pm

Time zone: The time zone in the Canary Islands is the same as in the UK and Ireland.

Foreign exchange The Spanish currency is the Euro. You can change currency in any bank by showing your passport (Mon – Fri, 8am – 2pm), or in the many exchange agencies in resorts.

Can I drink the water?

You can drink the tap water in the Canaries, but the change may affect your stomach. If your visit is short, it’s perhaps best to stick to bottled.

Discounts Students and senior citizens may receive discounts on ferries, tickets to concerts, museums, etc., so always ask, as long as you can provide ID to prove it.

Shopping Normal opening hours in the Canaries are from 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 8.30pm.

However, in big tourist resorts and shopping centres the opening hours are longer, often from 10am until 10pm, sometimes even later. On Sundays and Bank Holidays only the shops in tourist resorts open.

There is a flea market in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, every Sunday morning Duty Free Despite popular belief, it is generally cheaper to buy alcohol and tobacco on the Islands than on the plane or at the airport.

Limits are: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/ 250grs rolling tobacco 1L spirits over 22% or 2L spirits under 22% 2L wine 60ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette Medical care All residents of the EU have the right to free medical and hospital care from Tenerife’s Public Health Service whilst on holiday (ie less than three months). To receive this you need to have the European Medical Card or equivalent document, which can be applied for in your home country. It doesn’t cover all treatments; excluding dental treatment, except for emergency extractions, and repatriation due to illness.

Fañabé, Torviscas

If you are ill, find a Centro de Salud or Centro Médico. The ones in the tourist resorts generally speak some English.

Make sure they provide care under your insurance policy or EHIC before you sign for anything. Unscrupulous taxi drivers have been known to take back-handers for taking sick people to private clinics so make sure you are in the right place before paying.

Safety Only take out credit and bank cards you actually need: leave the rest in the hotel safe, along with your passport and other valuables. A UK driving licence with a photograph is usually accepted as ID for most credit card purchases, a photo credit card will still have to be accompanied by photo ID, daft, but there you are. Do not leave belongings unattended. Particular vigilance on the beach and when you are travelling with luggage is recommended.

Take the minimum with you on excursions and lock everything in the boot that you aren’t carrying with you and only access it where you are not overlooked.

Do not leave anything in sight.

Cars have been broken into for a beach towel before now.

If you are at a bar or nightclub, don’t leave your drink unattended and avoid dark streets on the way home.

The Islands are safer than many places in Europe, but there are always those who prey on the unaware: relaxing your vigilance could cost you dearly, not just in money but in precious holiday time - reporting the loss of a passport to the police for example and then the visits necessary to the consulates to replace it.

Emergency number: (all Canaries) 112 Guardia Civil (all Canaries): 062

Post Offices Open Monday to Saturday, generally 8.30am - 2.30pm. Some city offices open later.

Blue Badge users Parking for Blue Badge holders in the Canaries is limited to the ‘disabled only’ (Minusválidos) parking spaces in each town. There are no concessions to park on yellow lines or anywhere else normal parking is not allowed. And even if you have a Blue Badge, don’t park in a disabled area which has a registration number marked on it – you will be fined and probably towed away. For further information: www.bluebadgetenerife.com

Consulates British Consulate Tenerife: (0034) 922 286 653 British Consulate Gran Canaria: (0034) 902 109 356 Honorary British consulate Lanzarote: (0034) 928 262 508 Indian consulate: (0034) 922 241 416 Irish Consulate: (0034) 922 245 671 Consulates can issue passports, give information about medical care, education and

legal matters, give assistance to people under arrest, under exceptional circumstances give you enough funds to be repatriated (on loan), and help you in the case of emergency/catastrophe.

Inter island transport: Fred Olsen (Ferries): 902 100 107 www.fredolsen.es Naviera Armas (Ferries): 902 456 500 www.navieraarmas. com Binter (Flights) 902 391 392 www.bintercanarias.com Canary Fly: 902 808 065 Airport and flight Information: All Canarian airports are controlled by AENA. www.aenaaeropuertos.es Buses The transport company TITSA has buses that reach all corners of the island. The main bus station is in Santa Cruz, near the Adán Martín Auditorium. Clients can choose to purchase a ticket on the bus for each individual journey or to buy a Bono-bus ticket, a card which can be shared by various people and will mean saving up to 50 per cent of the fare, depending on the route. They are on sale in any of the TITSA bus stations and also in a number of kiosks and small establishments (often newsagents), identified with a green sticker on the window.

If your Bono-bus has insufficient credit to purchase your last journey, the difference can be made up in cash on the bus, but not with another Bono-bus card.

For information you can call TITSA on: (0034) 922 531 130 or see: www.titsa.com

Taxis Tenerife taxis are white and, unless they are minivans, the maximum number of passengers is four, including children. Eurotaxis have ramps for wheelchairs.

Eurotaxis, Santa Cruz: (0034) 609 867 581/607 612 816/629 132 269 Taxi Santa Cruz: (0034) 937 780 030 www. teletaxi.es Radiotaxi San Pedro: (0034) 922 310 000 Parque Marítimo César Manrique (next to the Auditorium) Open every day: Sun-Thurs: 10am-8pm, Fri, Sat: 10amMidnight Adults: €2.50, Children (under 12): €1.50, Over 65s: €1.50 Tel: (0034) 922 229 368 https://es-es.facebook.com/ parque.manrique Palmetum Open Tues – Sun, 11am - 2pm, 4pm-6pm.

Adults: €4, Children (under 12): €2.80, Canarian residents €1/1.50 Tel: (0034) 697 651 127. info@palmetumsantacruz. com Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Nature and Man) Open Tues – Sat, 9am - 8pm; Sun, Mon, 10am - 5pm. Tel: (00 34) 922 535 816 www.museosdetenerife.org Museo Militar (Military Museum), C/ San Isidro.

Tel: (0034) 922 274 224.

Open: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, ecocmar@et.mde.es Castillo de San Cristobal, Plaza de España Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm http://www.museosdetenerife. org Auditorio Adán Martín Tel: (0034) 922 568 600 www.auditoriodetenerife.com Teatro Guimerá, Plaza Isla de la Madera.

Tel: (0034) 922 609 408/922 609 400 www.teatroguimera.es

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

La Laguna Tourist Office, Casa Alvaro Bracamonde, C/ La Carrera.

Tel: (0034) 922 631 194/922 601 106.

The tourist office offers a free guided route around the city.

Call to make a reservation.

Tenerife South Playa de Las Américas Tourist Office Plaza del Centro Comercial City Centre, Avda. Rafael Puig, 19.

Tel: (0034) 922 797 668

Museo de Historia y Antropología de Tenerife, Casa Lercaro, C/ San Agustín. Open Tues - Sat: 9am-8pm; Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.

Oficinas de Turismo: Avda. Juan Carlos I (Bus station) Tel: (0034) 922 730 133 Paseo Marítimo Playa de Las Vistas Tel: (0034) 922 787 011

Taxis: (0034) 922 715 407

HOLIDAY GUIDE Twin Tickets can be purchased for Siam Park and Loro Parque. www.siampark.net Lost Property Offices Tenerife North Airport: (0034) 922 635 855 Tenerife South Airport: (0034) 922 759 391 Arona: (0034) 922 725 562 Costa Adeje: (0034) 922 710 606 La Laguna: (0034) 922 608 805/922 251 080 Puerto de la Cruz: (0034) 922 378 448

Evangelical Service Centro Apolo, 1ª planta, Los Cristianos, Arona.

Tel: (0034) 922 792 007 Services: Sundays at 11am and 6pm Swedish Church Abroad Coronel, s/n, Los Cristianos, Arona.

Tel: (0034) 922 75 00 68

Radiotaxi La Laguna (0034) 922 255 555.

Puerto de la Cruz Tourist Office, Casa de la Aduana, C/ Las Lonjas.

Tel: (0034) 922 386 000.

Centro de Información Turística, C/ Puerto Viejo.

Tel: (0034) 922 370 243/922 388 777.

Taxis: (0034) 922 378 999.

Loro Parque, Avda. Loro Parque s/n Tel: (0034) 922 373 841 Open every day from 8.30am to 6.45pm www.loroparque.com

Tourist Office Costa Adeje Avda. Litoral Playa Fañabé Tel: (0034) 922 716 539 Jungle Park: Urb. Las Águilas del Teide, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 729 806. www.aguilasjunglepark.com.

Aqualand Avda. Austria, 15 Tel: (0034) 922 715 266. www.aqualand.es Twin tickets can be purchased for Aqualand and Jungle Park, see websites.

Siam Park (The Water Kingdom) Avda. Siam Park s/n. Tel: (0034) 822 070 000.

Santa Cruz: (0034) 922 606 354 Religious Services In Spain, Catholicism is the main religion and almost all towns and cities, including tourist resorts, have churches where mass is frequently held.

Below is information about Catholic services held in languages other than Spanish and services for other faiths.

Holy Communion Anglican Church, Iglesia de San Eugenio, Las Américas.

Tel: (0034) 922 793 143 Services: Sundays at 10.15am Anglican church, Puerto de la Cruz www.allsaintstenerife.com/

San Sebastián Tourist Office C/ Real, 4. www.sansebastiandelagomera. org/turismo/ Taxis: (0034) 922 870 524

Tourism Board C/ Triana, Las Palmas. Tel: (0034) 928 219 600. www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo.

Valle Gran Rey Tourist Office C/ La Noria, 2, La Playa.

Tel: (0034) 922 805 458 www.lagomera.travel/islascanarias/la-gomera/es/acerca/ visitar-valle-gran-rey/

Las Dunas Tourist Office Avda. De Tirajana (Hotel Riu Maspalomas), Playa del Inglés.

Tel: (0034) 928 765 242.

Taxis: (0034) 922 747 511

La Gomera

Gran Canaria

Las Canteras Tourist Office Paseo de la Playa de Las Canteras (opposite the Hotel Meliá) Tel: (0034) 928 446 824. www.lpavisit.com.

Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos, Avda. Los Menceyes.

Tel: (0034) 922 315 265.

Open: Tues-Sat: 9am-8.pm.

Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am - 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.

Teguise Tourist Office Plaza de La Constitución, s/n Tel (0034) 928 845 398 www.turismoteguise.com

Island Tourist Board Avda. España (Yumbo shopping centre), Playa del Inglés.

Tel: (0034) 928 771 550. www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo.

El Portón Tourist Office El Portón Shopping Centre, Playa del Inglés. www.turismo.maspalomas. com.

Lanzarote

Taxis Valley Gran Rey: (0034) 922 805 058

Costa Teguise Tourist Office Avda. Islas Canarias s/n Tel: (0034) 928 592 542 www.turismoteguise.com

La Palma La Palma Tourist Office Avda. Blas Pérez González s/n Tel: (0034) 922 412 106 www.visitlapalma.es Taxis: Radiotaxis La Palma: (0034) 922 181 396 www.taxilapalma.com: 686 553868 Radiotaxi San Miguel: (0034) 922 416 070 Los Llanos de Aridane Tourist Offices: Avda. Dr. Flemming, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 402 583 / (0034) 922 402 528 www.lapalmacit.com Llano de Argual, 31 (also handicraft shop) Tel: (0034) 922 401 899

Playa Santiago Tourist Office Avda. Marítima, s/n.

Tel: (0034) 922 895 650 playasantiago@lagomera. travel

Taxi rank: (0034) 922 462 001 www.taxilapalma.com / (0034) 686 553 868

Taxis: (0034) 922 895 698

Puerto Naos Tourist Office Puerto Naos car park Tel: 618 856 516

Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario Tourist Office Avda. De la Constitución, 5 Tel: (0034) 928 530 844 Taxis: (0034) 928 850 059 / 928 850 216 Corralejo Tourist Office Plaza Grande de Corralejo Tel. (0034) 928 866 235 Taxis: (0034) 928 866 108

Arrecife Tourist Office Parque José Ramírez Cerdá s/n Tel: (0034) 928 813 174 www.turismolanzarote.com

25

Morro Jable Tourist Office Avda. Saladar, Jandía shopping centre Tel: (0034) 928 540 776 turismo@playasdejandia.com Taxis: (0034) 928 541 257

Fuencaliente Tourist Office Plaza Minerva, s/n (Minerva Square) Tel: (0034) 922 444 003 Taxis: (0034) 922 434 071 www.taxilapalma.es Caldera de Taburiente National Park www.visitlapalma.es/recursos/recurso-parque-nacionalde-la-caldera-de-taburiente / www.reddeparquesnacionales. mma.es Theme Parks Maro Parque, Breña Alta.

Tel:(0034) 922 417 782. www.maroparque.com Palmex Cactus, El Paso Tel: (0034) 922 464 862 Paraíso de las Aves, El Paso Tel: (0034) 922 485 701 All information was correct at the time of going to press.

Please confirm before travelling.

Lago Martiánez Avda. De Cristóbal Colón, 1 Tel: (0034) 922 385 955 Taxis: Servitaxi (0034) 922 378 999 La Orotava Tourist Office C/ Calvario, 4 Tel: (0034) 922 323 041

n American Diner style cafe n Homemade burgers 100% beef n Homemade cakes n Best coffees in the area n Exquisite cocktails n Vegetarian menu Calle Luis Alvarez Cruz 5 (opposite Correos) Las Galletas · Tel: 922 731 847

HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS

The Divine Musical

The thoroughly entertaining - and surprising - Sister Act, The Musical will be the winter festive-season special at the Santa Cruz Auditorium over New Year.

The musical is based on the movie of the same name, and for those who haven’t seen the original film starring Whoopi Goldberg, it tells the story of young Deloris, a free spirit and aspiring singer, who witnesses a murder. For her own protection, the police place her hiding: in a convent. With her rebellious and hilarious ways, she turns the quiet life of the religious community upside down, as the sombre hymns turn to singing and dancing for joy. But that isn’t enough for Deloris to escape her past - and the constant undercurrent to the fun keeps the audience on their toes...

This interpretation of the popular musical is a large scale production involving 28 actors, eight musicians and 31 in-house technicians, plus another 70 or so stage hands who have been recruited from around the island. There will be an incredible 17 tons of equipment used, which will be transported on seven trailers: this is one big performance.

The musical score is compiled by the winner of several Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe awards, composer Alan Men-

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Sister Act

Surf Film Festival

Ride the wave The Canaries Surf Film Festival will soon be delighting audiences in Gran Canaria and south Tenerife.

Having already done the rounds in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, north Tenerife and La Graciosa, this event is a great platform for surfing enthusiasts and their friends and families to celebrate their amazing passion for the sea, singular way of life and this exciting sport by enjoying some of the best images captured on film by some of the greatest artists in the genre. The festival includes a variety of documentaries made by local, national and international directors on surfing and the environment, as well as photography exhibitions, live music, and the presence of special surprise guests.

Catch the wave at the Caja de Canarias Cultural Centre at in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from October 1 to 3, and at the Hotel El Médano in south Tenerife from October n 8 to 11. See www.canariassurffilmfestival.com.

Photos: www.sisteractelmusical.com

26

ken. The adapted screenplay is by Xavier Cassadó, the resident director is Marc Montserrat-Drukker, and the cast of the production consists of

great artists from the Spanish theatrical scene, with Ángels Gonyalons in the role of Mother Superior. The leading part is played by Mireia

Mambo, an actress from Barcelona who is currently working in London’s West End. The producer of the show is none other than Whoopi Goldberg.

In only five years, Sister Act, The Musical has been performed in 12 countries, has been seen by over four million spectators, and been translated into seven languages.

See it at the Adan Martín Auditorium in Santa Cruz from December 29 to January 4. There will be eight shows, each with tickets priced between €25 and €60.

These are on sale now from: www.auditoriodetenerife.com. n Get in on the act.

Adeje

Rayden concert

Rap rollin’

Could you be Miss Sur? This year’s Miss Sur contest will take place in Adeje on October 16.

If you would like to be a candidate and are aged 15 to 30 years old, now is the time to sign up to take part! All you need is physical beauty, elegance, personality and charisma. Or maybe you have a friend or relative who fits this criteria?

Applicants need to be resident in the Canaries and live in one

of the boroughs in the south of the island: Candelaria, Arafo, Güímar, Fasnia, Arico, Granadilla de Abona, San Miguel de Abona, Vilaflor, Arona, Adeje, Guia de Isora or Santiago del Teide.

Under 18s need their parents’ permission, and to be accompanied by them during the castings. Once chosen, the candidates will be given a sponsor, and they’ll need to be prepared for everything

the contest entails, including press conferences, video recordings, training, excursions, trips, and of course the final contest which takes place in the Plaza de España, Adeje, at 9.30pm. Entry to the gala is free so if you’re not taking part, why not just go along for the show.

For more information see: www. adeje.es or www.misssur.com where you will find all the regulations and how to register. n

Dog Days in The Fortunate Islands A new life in hidden Tenerife

By John Searancke

A series of adventures that you won’t want to miss! On the brink of retirement, John and his wife Sally, together with their beloved Jack Russell/Staffie cross, Freddie, embark on the journey of a lifetime and relocate to the island of Tenerife.

David Martínez Álvarez, better known as Rayden, is bringing his En Alma y Hueso tour to the Canaries in October.

Rayden was world champion MC of the Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos in 2006, having won the Spanish national final which allowed him to compete in the championship.

In later years, he was on the jury for the semi-finals in Madrid, and the national finals in both 2008 and 2009.

He went on to compete in several more international rapping contests.

He is well known as a solo rap singer who was previously a member of the groups A3Bandas and Crew Cuervos, which released three albums. He now has three solo albums to his credit and will be in Tenerife to present the latest of these at 9pm on October 23 at La Cascada, Parque Marítimo, Santa Cruz. On October 24, he’ll be performing at The Paper Club in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, also at 9pm. Tickets for both events, priced at €13 are available from www.tomaticket.es.

The MC will be accompanied by Mesh and Mediyama, so if you’re a rap fan this is one concert not to be missed! n

On sale in good Canary Island bookshops NOW! Available on all Amazon platforms

www.johnsearancke.com

HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

27

Concerts galore

Keroxen returns

Fresh underground sounds Keroxen is one of Tenerife’s most individual cultural events, and this year’s festival brings together a selection of international avant-garde and contemporary artists as well as talented Spanish and Canarian musicians.

A series of interesting concerts are planned for every Friday in October and the first two Fridays in November, featuring some excitingly fresh, modern and experimental sounds: This year’s line-up is one of the most varied in the history of Keroxen.

Artists include the king of ambient music, Canadian producer Tim Hecker; Rob Mazurek and Black Cube SP’s contemporary jazz project; and Maurice Louca who fuses Egyptian folklore with styles such as psychedelic. Fumaça Preta will be playing their exotic mix of progressive rock, garage and trance; Jan Gleichmar, a.k.a Disrupt, will contribute some feisty electronic dub sounds; the Girl Band, from Ireland - with not a female member in sight - will show us the power of psychotic indie music; and Chancha Via Cirucuito’s digital cumbia is sure to surprise. Kiki Hitomi Yellow Mouse with his updated triphop, and Japanese DJ Scotch Bonnet also form part of the international line-up.

The inspiring list of national artists includes Niño de Elche and Miguel Serra, Pumuky, Jorganes, La Masacre, El Veneno Crew, Brutalizzed Kids, Dave WattsRiot, Samuel Aguilar, Manolo Rodríguez and many more.

The Keroxen Festival takes place at the El Tanque Cultural Space in Santa Cruz from October 2 to November 13. Tickets are on sale at the El Paso book shops in Santa Cruz and La Laguna at €12 - €15 per day of the event, or the highly tempting price of €50 for seven tickets. For more information see: www.keroxen.com. n

A cultural autumn The CajaCanarias Foundation will once again host the annual Otoño Cultural event which will take place during October and November.

Estrella Morente and Niño Josele will inaugurate the concert cycle on October 15 with their show Amar en Paz (love in peace), giving us the opportunity to enjoy Estrella’s voice and Josele’s guitar as they perform some musical jewels from Brazil.

On November 5, it’s the turn of Daniel Amat and his Afrocuban jazz quartet. Amat has appeared in numerous festivals in Cuba, Spain, Indonesia and Nigeria, and for this concert he’ll be accompanied by three great musicians: Rodolfo Lusson on double bass, Gilberto Noriega on percussion and Pablo Néstor Vázquez on saxophone. Together, they are described as “energetic and full of sensitivity.”

Yellowjackets will be performing on November 20. The historic band began in 1977 when

sia’s most charismatic artists. A singer, laúd player and composer who was educated in the tradition of classic Arabic music, Dhafer combines to perfection that genre’s mysticism with contemporary elements from electronic music and jazz - without losing any of the depth and spirituality which characterises the

music of Islam. He will close the event on November 27 by presenting his latest album Birds requiem.

All the concerts are at the Caja Canarias Foundation in Plaza de la Patriotismo, Santa Cruz, and start at 8pm. Find information on tickets sales at: www. cajacanarias.com. Prices are generally €10, except for the Estrella Morente and Niño Josele concert which costs €15.

As part of the autumn programme you can also see Estrella Morente and Niño Josele at the Teatro Circo de Marte in Santa Cruz de La Palma on October 16, as well as Germán López at the Asabanos Cultural Centre, Valverde, El Hierro on November 13 and at the Espacio Cultural CajaCanarias in Santa Cruz de La Palma on November 14.

Online ticket sales for all the concerts close at 5pm on the day before each show. Any leftover seats can be purchased at the box offices from 7pm on n the night.

See her in concert on October 11 at 8pm. Tickets cost €14 to €20 and are available from the

box office or www.tomaticket. es. See: www.teatroguimera. es for more information. n

Photo: cajacanarias.com

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

Estrella will be opening the concert cycle with Niño Josele

a group of veteran studio musicians got together to record their first album The Inside Story. After several member changes, and with 20 discs now behind them, the American fusion and smooth jazz quartet will present their latest album A rise in the road.

The icing on the cake will be Dhafer Youssef, one of Tuni-

Sole Giménez

Photo: ©JuanMaRe

Soulful Latin

Keroxen is a blinding mix of sounds and styles

Spanish singer and composer Sole Giménez is about to grace the halls of the Teatro Guimerá in Santa Cruz.

Originally from Paris, Giménez has one of the most elegant and unmistakable voices on the Spanish and Latin music scene. Always known for her sensitivity and singularity, that and her incredible voice has led to high-level collaborations with top artists such as Joan Manuel Serrat, Herbie Hancock, Ana Belén, Milton Nascimento, Randy Crawford, Víctor Manuel, and Miguel Ríos.

An outstanding lyricist, she is the author of some of the greatest songs made famous by Presuntos Implicados, the group she led for 23 years. During

this time, the band released 10 albums and sold three million copies of their discs.

Giménez recorded her first solo album in 2004, and since then has released five more including Cómo hemos cambiado - a compilation of her most well known songs.

She was a music professor at the Berklee College of Music in Valencia, its only location outside of Boston, and nowadays combines her musical career with her position in Valencia’s cultural council.

A committed charity worker, she is currently an ambassador for OXFAM Intermón and continues collaborating with the institution’s new projects in Latin America.

28

HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2015

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

September - October

September - October

TENERIFE

GRAN CANARIA

DIARY DATES

DIARY DATES September 24

October 1

September 24 5.30pm: Election of the Fiesta Junior Queen, full gala presentation with live acts and music, Plaza del Cristo, Tacoronte.

5pm: Bouncy castles and children’s workshops, Free Entry, Plaza del Pueblo, Vega de San Mateo.

September 25

September 26

7pm: Canarias Surf Film Festival, documentaries, films, photography exhibitions, live music, from €4, CICCA, LPGC. www.canariassurffilmfestival.com

October 2 7pm: Canarias Surf Film Festival (see above) films, La Primera Ola, Icon and The Cradle of Storms.

8pm: Evening of local folk groups, wine and tapas, Free Entry, Plaza del Pueblo, Vega de San Mateo.

October 3

8pm: Organ concert, Iglesia de Santiago de los Caballeros, Gáldar.

8.30pm: Classical music, Gran Canaria Wind Orchestra, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC. 10pm: Fiesta Guateque, reviving the 60s!, DJ and live music from Los Diabólicos, Full-Stop and Audaces: 3 en 1, Plaza de Tifaritti, Valsequillo.

11pm: Street Party with live music from Güira Latina, Proyecto Joven and Promaster, Free Entry, Plaza del Pueblo, Vega de San Mateo.

September 27 10am: Classic Cars exhibition, pedestrian only streets in the centre of the old town, Valsequillo.

11am: Dance, Free Entry, Plaza del Pueblo, Vega de San Mateo.

12am: Children’s foam party, Free Entry, Valsequillo.

6pm: Zumba on the beach, CC Anexo II, Playa del Inglés, San Bartolomé de Tirajana.

8.30pm: Folklore concert, Free Entry, Valsequillo.

10am: Classics car show, Free Entry, Plaza del Pueblo, Vega de San Mateo.

7pm: Canarias Surf Film Festival (see above) films, Duct Tape Surfing, The Fisherman’s Son and Serendipity.

9.30pm: Sabandeños concert, Canarian folk music, Auditorio Alfredo Krauss, LPGC.

October 4 11am: Dance, Free Entry, Plaza del Pueblo, Vega de San Mateo.

12am: Children’s party, workshops and animation, Free Entry, Plaza de Tifaritti, Valsequillo.

EXHIBITIONS September 28 to October 2 Digital photography exhibition, conferences and workshops, Gran Canaria Espacio Digital, C/Cádiz, 34, LPGC. www.grancanariadigital. com.

Until January 10

September 28 All day: The whole town spends the day preparing for the traditional ‘Suelta del Perro Maldito’ (Loosing of the evil dog), which takes place at midnight, Street Party with live music from Yoni y Aya and Sintonía Joven, huge fireworks display at 1.30am, Plaza de San Miguel, Valsequillo.

September 29 8am: Animal exhibition and competition followed by a procession, Valsequillo.

8.30pm: Chamber music concert by the Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife, featuring the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Richard Strauss, Free Entry, Auditorio de Guía de Isora.

9pm: Election of the Queen of the Fiestas, gala presentation, Centro Deportivo Cultural, San Miguel de Abona.

10pm: Election of the Queen of the Grape Harvest, full gala presentation with live music etc., Plaza del Cristo, Tacoronte.

10.30pm: Cuban night with live music from Son Isleño and Acontra, Free Entry, Tegueste.

September 26 10am: Children’s day, bouncy castles, workshops and children’s theatre, Free Entry, Plaza de la Iglesia, San Miguel de Abona.

8.30pm: Faith, Hope and Love, Gospel Shine Voices concert, €8, Teatro Teobaldo Power, La Orotava. www.lurinecato.com.

9pm: Celtas Cortos concert, folk music with a rock and Gaelic twist, €15, Centro Cultural La Escalera, Plaza del Quinto Centenario, La Orotava. www.entrees.es.

10pm: David Bustamante, Spanish heartthrob singer/songwriter, from €25, Plaza América, Icod de los Vinos. www.entrees.es.

10.30pm: Firework display followed by a street party with live music from the Orquesta Sonora Olimpia, Free Entry, Tegueste.

11pm: Street party with live music from Mambo Latino and Sensación Gomera, Free Entry, Plaza de la Iglesia, San Miguel de Abona

September 27 10am – 8pm: Craft fair, behind the Town Hall, Tacoronte.

11am: Animal competition to find the best horse, cow, bull, goat, chicken etc. Tegueste.

12 pm: Mass to celebrate the patron saint’s fiestas, followed by a romería procession, decorated carts, Canarian folklore and dancing, local food and music, colourful regional costumes.

The romería will leave from the Cooperativa, San Miguel de Abona.

4pm: Street Party with live music from Orquesta Deliciosa and Sensación Gomera, Free Entry, Plaza de la Iglesia, San Miguel de Abona.

8pm: Folklore festival, Free Entry, Tegueste.

9pm: Caminos de Unidad show, showcasing all this southern town’s folklore groups, Free Entry, Plaza de Fañabé, Adeje.

September 28

Black Hole, a collection of pastels and charcoals by local artist Raúl Artiles, CAAM (San Antonio Abad), Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am – 9pm, Sundays, 10am – 2pm, LPGC. www. caam.net.

4.30pm: Family Day, chocolate feast, bouncy castles, zumba, aerobics, fitness and workshops, Free Entry, Plaza de la Iglesia, San Miguel de Abona.

5pm: Foam party and paella, Free Entry, followed by a street party at 8pm with live music, Plaza del Cristo, Tacoronte.

September 29 5pm: Bouncy castles and children’s games, Free Entry, Fañabé Plaza, Adeje.

7.30pm: Religious procession followed by a fireworks display, start point El Pendón, finishing at the Town Hall, Free Entry, San Miguel de Abona.

September 30 5pm: Afternoon of sports for all ages, street events, Free Entry, Plaza del Fañabé, Adeje.

October 2 8pm-1.30am: Keroxen music festival, first concert features Fumaça Preta, Maurice Louca, Don Juan León y su Conjunto and D.Wattsriot, €12-15 per concert or €50 for all seven Friday concerts throughout October and November, El Tanque Cultural Space, Santa Cruz. www.keroxen.com.

October 3 10am: Exposaldo, a bargain street market of stock clearance and end of season goods, Plaza de los Remedios (church square) Buenavista del Norte, get there early for the bargains!

6pm: Spectacular religious procession from Puerto Colón to La Caleta by sea. Son y lumiére show on arrival in La Enramada, followed by a torch-lit procession to San Sebastián. Folk music and celebrations of local history and culture, Adeje.

October 4 11am: Classic car exhibition, Tegueste.

Until the end of December Creativity corner for 5-11 year-olds, Mini Tea, Friday 4pm - 8pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 8pm, TEA, Santa Cruz. www.tea.tenerife.es.

Every Tuesday and Thursday Bridge Club in Los Gigantes. Residents / visitors / partners / individuals all welcome. Call Liz: 922 867214 or Margaret: 922 857817

Wednesdays and Fridays Bridge Club in Los Cristianos. Call Jean: 922 722040.

EXHIBITIONS From October 2 until the 30th Celebrating 250 years of journalism in the Canaries. The first newspaper to be produced in the Islands was La Gaceta de Daute, hence the first location for this roving exhibition in the Sala Pérez Enriquez, Los Silos. Mondays to Fridays, 5pm - 8pm and Sundays 9am - 1pm.

Until October 4 Museum exhibition – Guanche Women, the life and times of the aboriginal females of Tenerife, Museum of Nature and Man (MNH), Santa Cruz, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9am - 8pm, Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays, 10am - 5pm, Free entry. www.museosdetenerife.org.

For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/living-lifestyle-article.html

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

MUSIC

29

Luckily, we currently have facilities here to record international artists, as well as experienced and respected sound engineers.

Look out for upcoming full reviews here for Abraxas and Elmar Origenes’ newest works. Until the next release n – keep it Q!

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

THE QFM MUSIC REVIEW – YOUR GUIDE TO MUSIC CREATED IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

That´s a wrap!

In each edition of Island Connections we report on the latest album releases, particularly in reference to artists from the Canaries and those living here.

It is the mission of QFM 94.3 and 105.3 QFM2 to give these new artists airtime and help promote their gigs and works.

Each month we go through what has been sent to us and made available by record companies and individuals.

This editorial, however, is about something we have noticed over the last few years, and that is recordings being made in the Canaries.

It’s great for those who have the money to make a trip to Barcelona, the UK or Germany to use the latest digital studios.

But more and more groups and artists from the circuits here are making recordings in local studios.

For example, Abraxas - made up of Matteo Malavasi and Charly Daicz - are currently in post-production on their debut

album using local sound engineer Brian Harrison at Samba Sound. And then there is the exquisite Elmar Origenes who is also in the closing stages of her latest offering, no title yet, working with Thiago Brauna on percussion at Saxo Studios in Los Cristianos, with engineer Sammy Pearce. They are only two of the many well equipped recording studios available here and also only two of the highly skilled sound engineers.

But others from abroad are also using the talent and latest facilities the islands have to offer. For instance, Hannah Brown from the UK has elected to make her next album in Tenerife, following in the footsteps of Swedish band Hammerfall and Italian group NoSound.

Hannah knows a thing or two about studios having earlier this year released an acoustic sixtrack album recorded at Bob Lamb’s old Highbury Studios in Kings Heath, Birmingham UK. Lamb is famous for produc-

ing UB40’s first offerings and the studios themselves have seen the likes of Stephen ´Tin Tin’ Duffy and Duran Duran lay down their sounds in this completely analogue studio. The finished product The Highbury Sessions are recorded on vinyl.

You can download a track from this session free at hannahbrown.co.uk.

Hannah´s latest offering though is a single to be released shortly called I don’t want to be you, a track from her next album Refuge from the Rain, recorded under the guidance of Rob Derbyshire of the group Full Flava. This time Brown has gone digital and her album is scheduled for release at the beginning of next year, after which she will be writing and recording more songs, the latter to be set for sessions in the Canaries.

So whether it is new young talent or established artists, one thing is for sure, it´s not just about the polished performer in a live set that music is about,

it’s the time put in at the studio sweating over the mixing desk, and tweaking and mastering, that brings recorded music to life for everyone to enjoy.

30

SPOTLIGHT

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Spotlight on Wes Brislen

A very savage Hun

Originally from Liverpool’s Everton district, Wes Brislen is a rock vocalist, lead-guitarist, bassist, percussionist and songwriter currently fronting the alternative rock band with punk edge, The Savage Huns.

The powerhouse three-piece, which features John Parkes on bass and Miguel González Hernández on drums, reformed earlier in 2015 following a four-year hiatus, and are taking the south by storm with their unique and authentic brand of edgy rock, covering songs by artists as respected as Nirvana, The Clash, White Stripes and Muse.

Deciding on a style and attitude different to the norm of Tenerife’s live music circuit, the band wanted to bring something new and vibrant that went against the grain of generic light entertainment: “I’ve always loved nihilistic and slightly obscure bands like Faith No More and Rage Against the Machine, and I wanted us to inherit those qualities and the intense energy those groups produce”, Wes said of the band’s new line-up.

The Savage Huns – who take their name from a gang that features in the 1979 cult movie The Warriors – originally formed in 2008 with Adan Ramos Trujillo on bass guitar alongside Wes and Miguel. They toured the island’s rock bars and clubs and featured at the 2010 Adeje Rock Festival.

Following Adan’s departure in 2011 the band split and Wes returned to the UK until he was enticed to return earlier this year and reform the

Antihero, Wes Brislen – a powerful vocalist and guitar wizard The three Huns following a recent gig at Chirinstones

Wes with The Blag Four/The Riffs line-up

band, with John Parkes taking up bass duties and Miguel returning to the fold.

As a youngster, Wes started to learn the guitar when his grandmother bought him a small Teisco Top 20 electric guitar from Dock Road Market when he was 12-years-old. He was a big fan of Guns N’ Roses, in particular their iconic guitarist Slash, and wanted to emulate his hero. Unfortunately, his admiration for the behatted musician, famed for having a cigarette dangling from his bottom lip, also led Wes to take up smoking!

Wes started jamming with a drummer after school and by the time they were 15-yearsold they’d brought in other members and became a fourpiece called Bald Peach, playing metal material with Wes

on bass. They toured the pub circuit in Liverpool, including appearances at the Halfway House in Everton Valley, before splitting up. Wes stopped playing for a few years, spending his late teens working in the construction industry and “doing the drinking thing!”

When he was 21 he discovered The Beatles and devoured their back catalogue, which encouraged him to buy The Beatles Complete Songbook – a musthave for any budding guitarist – and pick up the guitar again.

In 2000, when he was 23-yearsold, Wes decided to move to Tenerife where his mother had been living for over 10 years.

He found work as a decorator and adapted to the Canarian way of life, honing his guitar skills and building a repertoire

of material. A few years later and Wes met John Parkes, who was in a band called Loaded.

The Britpop-influenced outfit used to rehearse in an adapted studio at the back of the offices where John worked, and Wes would join the four-piece during rehearsals and impress band members with his solos and soaring vocals.

The band evolved to cater to Wes’ strengths and soon became a Beatles tribute band called The Blag Four, with one member departing and Jon Gibson replacing Loaded’s drummer, Miguel. John Parkes switched to bass and ‘Gazka’ Boyd and Wes shared guitar and vocal duties. They enjoyed a long period playing the circuit, but “the tribute formula was growing tired and we wanted to widen the repertoire”, which led to the same members changing into The Riffs and compiling a set list of 60s to 90s rock standards.

After a couple of years on the circuit, a back injury forced John Parkes to stop playing in 2007 and The Riffs called it a day.

Shortly after, Wes received a phone call from Miguel and the pair hooked up with Adán Ramos Trujillo to form the first incarnation of The Savage Huns. Alongside this, Wes had a side project in the group The Black Doradas as their bassist; playing sixties ‘Brit Invasion’ classics with John Ashford and former David Bowie drummer, Alan Carey.

Both bands stopped when Wes decided to return to the UK in 2011. Following several years in Liverpool and Nottingham working as an indus-

trial painter and featuring in the group Curse of Conversation, Wes received a job offer from a company in Tenerife as well as an invitation from John Parkes, who had recently returned to playing after several years of back problems, to reform their band. “The timing was certainly right, so I packed up and returned to the island early in 2015”, enthused Wes. The reformed Savage Huns recently played packed-out gigs at Chirinstones in El Médano, Qué Barbaridad in Costa del Silencio, and they feature regularly at Sayeah Bar in CC Pasarela in Los Cristianos, where the owner, Andrea, also allows them to rehearse every week. If you like powerful, edgy music then be sure to catch them the next time they play!

For further information and gig dates for The Savage Huns, visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/TheSavn ageHuns.

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

BLEVINS FRANKS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

31

UK Bank Deposit Guarantee cut by £10,000

By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks

Bank clients across Europe have their savings protected in the event of bank failure.

There is a limit to this deposit guarantee, and the UK’s limit will be reduced from £85,000 to £75,000 from January.

During the banking crisis, the EU issued a directive to ensure that all European countries have a guarantee scheme to refund bank depositors up to €100,000 should the financial institution be unable to pay claims against it.

Spain has the Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos, while the UK has the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

The UK’s limit is set to a Sterling amount equivalent to €100,000, which was £85,000 at the time in December 2010.

Under the EU directive, the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) is required to recalculate the FSCS limit every five years. In July it announced that it will reduce its guarantee to £75,000 to be in line with the current exchange rate.

The current limit of £85,000 will be maintained until the end of 2015. This gives depositors time to plan and adjust to the change if they wish, to ensure their funds have suitable protection.

A second, more positive change in the UK is that from July 3, depositors with temporary high balances will be protected up to £1 million for six months from the date of deposit. This protects people who have sold a property, received an inheritance etc, until they have time to move their funds into other arrangements or spread the risk between institutions.

“It has always also been very important to diversify your investable capital over different assets to reduce risk.”

For both Spain and the UK’s compensation scheme, savings above the guarantee limit could be lost if your bank fails.

The guarantee is per individual, so where a couple holds an account in joint

names it is protected up to €200,000/£150,000. Note, however, that where different banks form part of the same banking group, the guarantee limit covers the whole group, not the individual bank.

Many expatriates in Spain have savings in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. It is important to note that banks in these jurisdictions are not covered by the UK FSCS. If a bank there failed, you would need to rely on the local guarantee scheme, where the compensation limit is £50,000.

For peace of mind, seek professional advice on what steps you can take to protect your savings from institutional failure.

You also need to consider the risk/return relationship with any asset, whether it is shares, property or cash in the bank.

You could be exposed to more risk than is justified by the return potential of the asset.

With interest rates so low, depending on the amount of money you have in the bank and your circumstances and objectives, there may be better places for your money.

It has always also been very important to diversify your

investable capital over different assets to reduce risk.

Your savings and investment decisions should be based on your personal objectives, circumstances, time horizon and appetite for risk. Speak to an experienced wealth manager like Blevins Franks for tailored advice on asset protection and suitable asset allocation for you.

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com Blevins Franks has 20 established offices across Spain, France, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta and UK, and decades of experience advising British expatriates.

Contact our Partner Paul Montague on 922 716 079 or paul.montague@ blevinsfranks.com

MOTORING

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

urban areas, i.e. villages, towns and cities. For out-of-town journeys, child seats / restraints must still be used.

4. In vehicles which have a total of more than nine seats it is now mandatory for the driver (or those responsible) to inform all passengers of the need to wear seatbelts or use a child seat or restraint. This must be done via notices, pictograms

or audiovisual methods which must be clearly visible from each seat.

The rules also reiterate the need for all other passengers to wear a seat belt at all times.

Any infraction of that or the above will now be considered as serious and can carry fines of several hundred euros and the loss of points from the n licence.

Citroën Auto-Laca trophy

The La Laguna Classic Car Competition race is revving up for its start in October.

The action begins on October 9 with registration and technical checks at the Auto-Laca (Geneto) venue between 5.30 and 7pm, followed by a briefing for competitors at 8.30pm before the first stage of the competition, which will head off the mark around 9pm. The finish for the nighttime run is set for the centre of La Laguna in the Plaza de La Concepción around 11.30pm.

The next day the racing will start from the plaza at 9:30am, heading back to the Auto-Laca area. There will be a welcome break for lunch between 1pm

Photo: www.agueremotor.com

Classics unite and fight!

A fledgling Gran Canaria team will compete in their Fiat 131 Racing

and 3.30pm, before the grand finale which will once again head for the Plaza de La Concepción, this time for 5pm.

There´ll be plenty of opportunity to check out the cars, simply visit the Plaza de La Con-

Call us!

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cepción and join in the fun.

The ‘Ninth Classic Ciudad de La Laguna - Trofeo Citroën Auto-Laca’, forms part of the Canary Islands Classic Car Championship. See: www. agueremotor.com for timings

for the event, more information, or to follow the competition on the day. A full list of participants and their vehicles will be published on the site on October 7. A Gran Canaria team was the first to sign up to take part this year: Just starting out in the field of classic car competition, the team will be taking on all comers in their Fiat 131 Racing – a car which, in this case, is in beautiful condition and a model that is traditionally very popular on the Islands for this type of race.

Keep up to date with the Canary Islands’ Championship news at: www.regularidadclasn ica.com.

©2014 FLN

Vehicles with more than nine seats must inform passengers regarding restraining devices

With its compact dimensions and excellent functionality, the new SEAT Ibiza CUPRA is the perfect hot hatch for everyday use.

Eye-catching design, outstanding performance and stateof-the-art technology are united in the new model to form one of the most dynamic cars in its class. The performance generated by the 1.8-litre TSI engine is impressive – acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h – and is paired with exceptional efficiency. The new interior creates a wonderful feeling of quality, while SEAT Full Link, DriveApp and ConnectApp enable total connectivity on the go.

The first generation of the Ibiza CUPRA hit the roads in 1996, with the car soon becoming a core element of the SEAT brand. And now the new Ibiza CUPRA with 141 kW / 192 PS; XDS electronic differential lock; high-performance brakes; and CUPRA Drive Profile with adjustable damping is bringing an impressively high level of technology to the game. “Responsive, powerful acceleration, extremely precise handling, good traction and fade-free brakes guarantee the kind of driving fun that the CUPRA name stands for” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. The new 1.8 TSI engine with turbocharger and combined direct / indirect injection is a compact piece of hi-tech that guarantees exceptionally refined performance from its 141 kW / 192 PS. Power is up by 12 PS compared with its predecessor, but the greater advance is in the torque.

Instead of the previous 250 Nm, there are now 320 Nm on call – across an extremely broad rev range from 1,450 to 4,200 rpm. This delivers forceful pulling power in any given situation, and the acceleration rate and top speed put the car in the premier league of fast superminis. Nevertheless, the Ibiza CUPRA can still deliver impressive fuel economy of just six litres per 100 kilometres, on the combined cycle.

A motoring experience that was summed up by Jürgen Stackmann, President of SEAT, SA: “The Ibiza CUPRA’s striking design and refined performance promise driving pleasure for mile after mile.” n What more could you possibly want?

5 YE AR

This particularly refers to the direction that the seat should face: a forward-facing chair should be used as such, etc.

The only exception is one that is placed on the front passenger seat as it’s illegal to have a rear-facing child seat in the front of a car that has airbags which are not disabled. This is due to the risk of severe or even fatal injury that may occur from the force of an airbag being deployed during an accident. When using forwardfacing ones, the airbag can remain active but it is advisable to move the car’s seat as far back as it will go.

3. To clarify the situation for when riding in taxis with children, it has now been stated that minors may travel in the back of taxis without a child seat or restraint, but only in

The optimum CUPRA

R2

The new rules for the carriage of children in cars, passed in July of this year as part of the Reglamento General de Circulación, will come into force on October 1.

The regulations aim to simplify those that already existed and cover four main areas: 1. Children under 1.35m in height have to sit in the back of the car: Children cannot sit in the front seats until they are over 18-years-old or taller than 135cm. The only exception is if all of the room in the rear is already taken up with child seats, in which case children can sit in the front in an authorised seat or restraint that is suitable for the child’s height and weight.

2. Each child seat or restraint must be fitted according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Photo: Cristina Chirtes FreeImages.com

Be safe, be legal, be sure

SEAT

RIFE FO

Children in cars

NE

32

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

BUSINESS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

33

Promotion

Renault revolution: the new Kadjar

New pension freedoms: beware of fraudsters!

As part of the 2014 Budget, wide ranging Pension reforms were announced which gave individuals greater flexibility in accessing their pension savings, the most fundamental change to how people access their pensions in almost a century.

From April 2015 people are able to access their defined contribution pension savings as they wish during retirement, subject to their marginal rate of income tax. The 25 per cent tax free lump sum continues to be available.

However, along with these freedoms has come a new range of scams which could result in losing a lifetime’s savings.

General Director of Renault Iberia, Ricardo Gongo

How do I spot a scam?

The Pensions’ Regulator has provided a list of warning signs:

The stylish new Renault Kadjar

Island Connections recently had the honour of attending the launch of the new Renault Crossover range held at the Abama Ritz Carlton Hotel.

The focus of the event was the unveiling of the latest addition to the existing Crossover collection – the Renault Kadjar. Some 60 delegates, concessionaries and press officers from all over the Canary Islands were in attendance, and all enjoyed presentations from Chief Executives of Renault Spain. José Manuel Jáñez, Director of Communications, presented the new jewel in the crown, stating that the demand for the Kadjar has exceeded 15 million units already, leading Renault to create some 1,000 jobs in the Spanish peninsula to meet demand.

Speaking on local matters, the General Director of Renault Iberia, Ricardo Gongo, emphasised the fact that the Kadjar is a “made in Spain” product and offers “all that is needed to triumph in the Canary Islands!” He

confirmed “the presence of Renault in the Canaries has grown considerably in the first half of 2015, with sales exceeding 5,300 vehicles so far this year”.

He then went on to announce the forthcoming opening of a new Renault Branch in the south of Tenerife, confirming that Renault “is modernising its installations” in the Canaries with an estimated investment of €3.5 million in 2015/16. This expansion is great news in more ways than one for the economy as it will also create local employment opportunities.

Following the presentation, attendees were invited to test drive the Kadjar, as well as

the existing Crossovers, the Captur and Espace. Some 30 brand new Renaults hit the roads for an exciting hour or so and delegates shared their opinions and experiences over an exquisite lunch overlooking the neighbouring island of La Gomera.

Prices for the Renault Kadjar start at just under €18,000 – for more information you can visit the Renault agent on the island, Motor Ari S.A., at Poligono Industrial Mayorazgo, Santa Cruz (Tel. 922 204235) or in San Isidro at Calle Cho Portada, 12 (call: 922 979070). Alternatively, see: www.motorarisa.es and www.kadjar.es. n

• A cold call, text message, website pop-up or someone coming to your door offering you a ‘free pension review’, ‘one off investment opportunity’ or ‘legal loophole’ • Convincing marketing materials that promise you returns of between 10 and 15 per cent per annum on your investment • Paperwork delivered to your door by courier that requires immediate signature • A proposal to put all of your money into a single investment • Overseas transfer of funds • Pension access before age 55 If you believe you are being targeted by scammers or are already involved in a scam you should visit the www.pensionscams.com website to find out what action you can take.

It is very easy to be taken in by scammers, and even the most financially aware people have been duped by sophisticated fraudsters.

Always check that the company you are dealing with is: 3 Regulated 3 The adviser is qualified to advise on pensions 3 The company carries professional indemnity insurance should anything go wrong If you would like more information about pension freedoms and what they mean to you please do not hesitate to call or email - one of our fully qualified and regulated advisers will be happy to discuss these with you.

Sebastian & St James International Financial Advisors Limited: advice based on integrity, n trust and experience.

34

HEALTH

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Sight loss

Cataracts and eye conditions Photo: flour eye CC 3.0

However, diabetes mellitus (diabetes) can also lead to a clouding of the lens, as can the use of certain medications, such as cortisone. In developing countries, malnutrition can contribute to the development of cataracts.

Photo: Neil Vannett / Freeimages.com

The lens is located behind the iris and the pupil and it works like a camera lens focusing light on the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. Although the clouding of the lens often occurs at an advanced age, it can also happen when we are younger.

The reasons for this can be varied. In addition to genetics, there are several other risk factors. These include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and strong radiation, especially UV, a particular problem in the Canary Islands. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and protecting your eyes adequately from excessive sunlight can minimise these risks.

ever, of infection or bleeding, which is one of the reasons both eyes cannot be treated simultaneously. Also, cataract surgery increases the risk of retinal detachment. Only once one eye has healed successfully will the other be dealt with, usually with a break of a few weeks between the operations.

Glasses are worn by most elderly people, but they are not the only solution

What happens in old age?

The lens of the eye is a crystal-clear elastic body made mostly of collagen, arranged precisely to keep the lens clear and allow light to pass through it to the retina. As we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens.

Over time, this cataract may grow larger, making it harder to see clearly. Complicating the situation further, the lens which was at first very elastic

Reading can eventually become difficult for many people

becomes more rigid with age.

It tries to adapt to objects at a short distance, leading to long-sightedness, but this can be compensated for by using reading glasses. Unfortunately, clouding of the lenses cannot yet be prevented by medication or other aids. Cataracts can

occur in just one eye or in both eyes at the same time.

Symptoms The image on the retina becomes increasingly blurred.

This process, which creeps up on us slowly, is often given lit-

©2015 FLN

Causes and risks

tle attention except for maybe changing the lenses in our reading glasses. With the clouding of the lens, visual clarity is further reduced, and vision may become distorted. Colours seem faded and less luminous, and night vision deteriorates with an increased sensitivity to glare that can give problems when driving

Photo: Melanie Carpenter / freeimages.com

As we become older, most of us have increasing health problems to deal with and our eyes are no exception to the many parts of the body that can start to deteriorate.

The first age-related sight loss often shows up sometime after the age of 40 and this general deterioration which leads to long-sightedness is referred to as presbyopia. Blurred nearvision when reading, sewing or working at the computer is usually one of the first signs that one’s sight is dimming.

Cataracts are also very common in older people, and most often start to cause problems from the age of 60 onwards.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye, which results in a reduction of visual clarity. Without treatment, in some cases, cataracts can eventually lead to blindness.

With modern surgical techniques, many eye diseases can be treated quickly and easily

at night. You may see a kind of a ‘halo’ around lights.

What treatment is available?

In industrialised countries people are now less fearful of developing cataracts as treatment methods are commonly available. Typically, the lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial one. Modern surgical methods are undertaken mostly on an outpatient basis using only local anaesthesia.

With a small incision, the lens capsule is opened and the lens removed. It can either be softened and broken down by ultrasound waves or removed whole, with any remains being taken out by suction. Then an implant called an intraocular lens, which is made of plastic and needs no maintenance, is inserted and this becomes a permanent part of the eye. A dressing is applied for protection, which can usually be removed the next day.

Patients cannot feel or see the new lens, but their eyesight will be so dramatically improved that many will no longer need to wear glasses.

Others who are not suitable for surgery, because they have another eye disease or are at risk from surgical procedures, would be recommended a soft contact lens or high magnification glasses.

For everyone there is always a residual risk with surgery, how-

Other, generally age-related eye diseases In addition to cataracts, there are other eye conditions that occur especially as we get older. Here is a small selection: • Macular degeneration (AMD) In this typical age-related disease the so-called yellow spot of the eye (macula), which is responsible for sharp, central and detailed vision, is destroyed. This leads to blurred vision and straight lines can suddenly appear crooked.

Again, genetics and smoking are big risks. A special feature is that people with white skin are more likely to lose their eyesight by AMD. • Glaucoma Glaucoma is an optic nerve injury that may have resulted from other eye diseases and which can affect both eyes at the same time. It happens when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged and fluid cannot drain out of the eye. This raises the pressure in the inner eye. However, optic nerve damage and narrowed side vision can occur in people with normal eye pressure. Most people have no symptoms and no early warning signs, and if this isn’t treated it can lead to loss of vision. These conditions both respond very well to medica-

tion, especially if caught early.

Glaucoma usually affects the over 60s, but some Afro-Americans are prone to developing it from 40 onwards.

• Diabetic retinopathy Certain eye diseases are common side effects of diabetes.

In the early stages of diabetes, patients usually have no

35 the dryness can sometimes over-stimulate tear production. Besides reddened and itchy eyes, the condition can cause blurred vision. Work that requires prolonged visual attention, such as reading or working on the computer becomes difficult. Although this condition mainly affects older people, it can happen at any age.

Women are affected more often than men, especially after the menopause, and certain medications can also trigger it.

What preventative steps can you take?

symptoms in their eyes, but the longer one has suffered from the condition, the more likely it is that visual complications will arise. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retina, leading to impairment of visual clarity and a restricted field of vision, or even blindness. With regular monitoring of glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol, the formation of diabetic retinopathy can be delayed.

• Dry eyes Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the

These and other eye diseases occur mainly in old age and remain at first unnoticed. If they are not treated in time, they can lead in some cases to blindness. Therefore, people of advanced age should have their Photo: Rakesh Ahuja, MD. CC 3.0

10. Vitreous humour 11. Fovea 12. Retinal blood vessels 13. Optic nerve 14. Optic disc 15. Hyaloid canal 16. Sclera 17. Choroid 18. Retina

Photo: wikimedia commons public domain

Zonular fibres Posterior chamber Iris Pupil Cornea Anterior chamber (aqueous humour) 7. Ciliary muscle 8. Suspensory ligament 9. Lens

Everyday computer work puts a strain on the eyes

Photo: Maria Luisa Gutierrez / freeimages.com

The human eye

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

HEALTH

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

Photo: Tim & Annette / freeimages.com

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

Cataracts in the human eye The worst cases of cataracts can lead to blindness After a certain age, regular eye examinations are recommended

Learn to breathe Proper breathing should come naturally to us, but with our daily stress, personal problems, or through bad posture, illness or surgery, bad breathing techniques can often sneak into our lives, and we don’t even notice.

I often hear comments such as “I can’t breathe properly” or, “Whenever I breathe deeply my chest hurts.” Even persistent fatigue, malaise or depression can be signs that the body is getting an insufficient oxygen supply. However, it is not only our oxygen supply that depends on respiration. Breathing is a necessary basic function of life and is closely linked to all the processes in the organism. If the body is well-supplied with oxygen, the entire energy balance is stimulated. All the cells in the body are better supplied and also any hormone or mineral deficiency can be positively influenced. The position of the diaphragm varies with

Photo: Horst Nilgen

By Elena Herz

each breath, and this in turn has an impact on the internal organs in the abdominal cavity. For example, several organs are massaged by deep abdominal breathing, which leads to improved digestion.

Conversely, the resulting stress and tension in the body caused by abnormal abdominal and thoracic posture can have a profound negative impact on the psyche.

Through proper breathing you create a feeling of well-being, and can maintain this emotion throughout the day when proper breathing becomes

a habit and your respiratory behaviour adapts to your natural environment.

To learn correct breathing, you need to find the appropriate method. You’ll be able to learn special breathing exercises during physical therapy and exercise at home. For the treatment of the spinal condition scoliosis, during physiotherapy the Schroth method is used to correct breathing by introducing good posture, and thus reduce the scoliosis. Meditation or independent training can improve breathing, and the well-known Far Eastern meth-

ods such as yoga or Qi Gong can also help with conscious breathing.

I personally offer breathing exercises in physiotherapy, and I prefer to put each patient on a specifically tailored Far Eastern learning method, so that they can do something good for their body, mind and soul. My patients can also enjoy coming to my Qi Gong classes, which I am offering at the Ecozenter in Chayofa, and at the Hacienda Cristóforo in Playa Paraíso.

Elena Herz is a fully qualified physiotherapist and experienced alternative and holistic therapist. She is based in south Tenerife (Chayofa) and the north (La Laguna) and can also undertake home visits.

Elena offers a range of services including rehabilitation, personal training, craniosacral therapy, qigong classes and many types of massage.

Contact Elena on 600 424 252 or see: www.about.me/ n elena.herz.

Photo: Ralf Roletschek CC 3.0

The best you can do

surface of the eye. When the eyes fail to produce enough tears, they burn and feel irritated, as if they are full of fine sand. Dry eye syndrome can also produce watery eyes as

eyes examined regularly by an ophthalmologist. Eye pressure measurements and some advanced ocular examinations can sometimes be undertaken by specialist opticians. n

HEALTH

36

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

m_delaflor@hotmail.com

Dear Dr. De La Flor,

I have smoked for more than 12 years. What method do you recommend to quit smoking?

Thank you, Susan Dear Susan, To gain the reins of nicotine exclavitude, and to build a health-prone habit, countless methods have being touted.

Some go for acupuncture, some for patches, some for tablets, some for hypnosis, some join a gym, some go for a blend of it all. More amazingly, some achieve their lofty endeavor on sheer will power and determination. None is superior than others, none is more effective than the other. The most effective one is going to be the one that works for you.

The American Cancer Society warns against programmes that promise instant, effortless success, those containing ‘secret’ ingredients and recipes, those that charge very high fees and those that refuse to provide references from people who have participated. I applaud your decision. Please be patient with yourself. Best regards.

“Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it hundreds of times.”

Mark Twain

Dear Dr. De La Flor,

I use antihistamines most days.

Is it true that certain ones can cause Alzheimer’s disease?

Thanks for your help, Robert Dear Robert, Several studies have linked an increased risk of dementia to long-term use of drugs that block the action of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is an essential molecule for the learning and memory process. The medications in question are called anticholinergic drugs.

This group includes some antihistamines, as well as drugs used to deal with depression, Parkinson’s disease and overactive bladder.

Research stresses the importance of making sure that your GP knows about all the drugs you take - those prescribed by another physician and any overthe-counter ones. As a general rule, if you have to take any of the anticholinergic drugs, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time and keep your GP informed.

Regards.

“The greatest mistake in the treatment of diseases is that there are physicians for the body and physicians for the soul, although the two cannot be separated.” Plato

Dear Dr. De La Flor,

I normally drink four or five cups of coffee a day. Is it true that coffee can raise cholesterol? Thank you, Sandra Dear Sandra, Research has linked drinking unfiltered coffee to an increase in LDL (“lousy”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Unfiltered coffee is a brew in which coffee grounds come into prolonged contact with hot water, as is the case with espresso.

The suspicious compound associated with increased cholesterol levels, cafestol, is present whether or not the coffee is decaffeinated. Instant coffee as well as the ones prepared with paper filters provide relatively little cafestol, since the filter soaks in most of the cafestol.

Moderation in coffee consumption seems to be associated to a myriad of health benefits and preventive effects, from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, to Parkinson’s and liver disease. On the downside are also coffee’s well-documented side effects: digestive and urinary system irritation, mild tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and irregular heartbeat. Regards.

“I never laugh until I’ve had my coffee.” Clark Gable

enormous in its role of regulating bodily functions.

Thumbs Up

 You can’t hurry love… or

By Dr. De La Flor

 First things first

A natural approach should always be the first option in tackling anxiety: moderation with coffee and other forms of caffeine; breathing exercises; music therapy; daily moderate to intense physical activity; daily prayer/meditating; proper sleeping and hygiene habits; adequate leisure time; and a good work/life balance.

If unsuccessful, contact your trusted GP.

 A prescription for a life-

time “To be grateful is to recognise the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything.

Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” Thomas Merton

health Phil Collins’ advice regarding love could also be applied to health. As a matter of fact “many things - such as loving, going to sleep, or behaving unaffectedly - are done worst when we try hardest to do them.” C.S. Lewis

 Befriend Kegel

Because stress incontinence comes from weak pelvic muscles, consider trying to strengthen those mysterious muscles. You can do this with Kegel exercises. Clench the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine. Hold the squeeze for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat it three or four sets most days. As these muscles get stronger, so will your bladder control and performance.

Pedro Alegre Alonso Pilates trainer ä Physiotherapist ä

Coaching Corner

By Dr. De La Flor “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes.

Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices.”

Teresa of Ávila

Tel. 699 521 649

pedroalegrealonso@hotmail.com

©2014 FLN

The most effective method for giving up smoking is whichever one works for you

Dr. De La Flor Facts

©2014 FLN

Photo: Valentin Rasulov / FreeImages.com

Dear Dr. De La Flor

 Inconvenient drinking

advice Current health guidelines indicate that health risks increase when: a woman has more than three drinks at one time or more than eight drinks a week. A man who has more than four drinks at one time or more than 14 drinks a week.

A standard drink or serving is a can of beer, a glass of wine, or one mixed drink.

 Thyroid testing

Most adults, particularly women, should be screened for thyroid disorders at the age of 35 and every five years thereafter, especially when there is a family history of problems.

The thyroid is tiny in size but

ReSOLUTION

By Dr. De La Flor For the next two weeks, let’s ponder how you and I can apply this 500 year-old recipe to our personal circumstances. Teresa’s early morning focus probably determined how successful she became in overcoming endless personal and professional setbacks and tribulations. Patience isn’t just part of a treatment, but the main part of the treatment of ANY chronic disease.

God bless you, your family and your loved ones, especially the ones in pain. Talk to you in a couple of weeks.

Dr. De La Flor, licensed G.P. (6089). In dealing with his patients he is highly influenced by Humanistic Psychology - an encompassing way of approaching patients through the study of their strengths and virtues to enable them to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, accept the past, find happiness in the present, and hope for the future. Call him today on 0034 697 888 666 or email him to register.

Therapies, Spiritual hypnosis, Past life regression Come, unleash your internal power and heal your mind, body and soul completely through energy healing, hypnosis and past life regression.

Get Space Clearing carried out for more positivity at home and in your work place

Call 619 519 858

ISLAND CONNECTIONS PICKUP POINT Frutería Ágaves Ed. Ágaves, Av. Venezuela 6

Playa de Las Américas

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

FASHION

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

37

Essential accessory

Lipstick: it’s one of the most popular beauty accessories in the world - and one of the oldest.

It has existed in the form we know today since 1883 since its modern incarnation was styled by French perfumers, a variety which was allegedly nicknamed ‘Stylo d’amour’ (love pen) by actress Sarah Bernhardt.

However, women’s pleasure in wearing brightly coloured lips has existed for much longer than that. In ancient Mesopotamia, semi-precious stones were crushed and processed to make dyes. In Egypt, noble women, including the female Pharaoh Nefertiti, used henna on their lips.

Among the Romans and in the Middle Ages extracts from plants with red wine sediments were used.

Ladies of the 16th century stained their lips with a cochineal mixture; Queen Elizabeth I used vermilion, which is made from the naturally occurring powdered mineral, cinnabar; and in the 17th century, slightly perfumed pomades coloured with a dark grape juice were favoured.

Thereafter, however, red lips fell out of favour until Sarah Bernhardt arrived on the scene. The famous, controversial French artiste from the late 19th century started a new trend when she apparently became the first woman to brandish cherry-red lips on the theatre stage.

In the early 20th century unusual lip colours were sometimes worn, with vitriol green being particularly popular in Paris for a while. Unfortunately, several dozen women died using this type of metallic makeup, leading to an eventual ban on the highly toxic verdigris powder. Nevertheless, the worldwide success of lipstick continued and much of that can be attributed to the cinema – as women went wild to emulate their on-screen idols.

At that time lipstick was far more than just a means of beautification.

It stood for independence and s e l f - d e t e r-

Bright red: a signal colour with a powerful effect. By Elizabeth Arden

A classic lipstick in a bold pink goes particularly well with light hair. By Margret Astor

All photos: www.beautypress.de

Lip service mination: Many suffragettes of the feminist movement boldly wore lipstick on a march through New York in 1912 as a symbol of their liberty.

It was an exciting time for such adornment. The first lipstick in a metal case was sold in 1910 by Guerlain; 1920 saw Helena Rubinstein market her ‘Lip Lustre’ in New York; and eight years later the first lipstick with sunscreen was introduced. In 1948 the sliding mechanism arrived, lipstick became easier to use and its triumph unbeatable. n

Lips are often the focus of a makeover. Babor

Matte textures for lips are back in vogue. Catrice

Lip Base ensures a longer life for lipstick. ARTDECO

Particularly easy to apply: Lip Balm in stick form. From Manhattan

Practical: The beauty palette with bright red lipstick. From Makeup Factory

A delicate alternative: Lip gloss in a rose colour. From Essence

A real eye-catcher: lipstick in gold with glittering particles from Sothys

Warm orange tones make a fashion statement. From Misslyn

38

KATY / PETS

Like millions of others, I was shocked and saddened by the sight of that little Syrian boy washed up on the sand as he and his parents were attempting to cross the Mediterranean sea seeking refuge.

The whole family perished, as did so many others attempting to reach freedom and a friendly nation where they can live the rest of their lives without fear.

The sight of that toddler almost broke many a heart, and finally public opinion forced many governments, including the UK, to offer to take more refugee families. I personally think the government is right to take families. Even the Pope has agreed to take two families into the Vatican and has called on all clergy to see what they can

do to get people in the diocese to take at least one family.

I know how very scary and offputting huge crowds of young and middle aged men can be when they shout and threaten officials, tearing down wire fences and attacking others.

I know they don’t want to go into camps, but what are the various countries to do with them?

Germany has a huge shortage of manpower for her industries and is happily saying they’ll take as many as want to come. If someone went to Calais with a few large buses, they could easily get thousands more and solve that crisis too.

Having said that, it’s wonderful that Angela Merkel is taking so many refugees in and all credit to Germany for doing that.

Hi everyone, katykennedy@telefonica.net

Photo: Bwag/commons

By

y Kat

Refugees making their way to Germany from Austria

It seems that over three million refugees from Syria will be fleeing the country by the end of this year, and the number could rise in the coming year.

But what mystifies me is that none, or hardly any, wish to go to other Arab states. They

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

are all the same nation, with virtually the same religion, yet so many wish to leave.

Many experts believe that the West will never understand why our kind of democracy, at least in our lifetime, would not work in the Middle East. Accord-

ing to Andrew Green, former ambassador to Syria and Saudi Arabia, their whole outlook is based on family, tribe and sect, and personal friendships trump the apparatus of the state.

These are certainly not societies governed by the rule of law. On the contrary, they are better described as ‘favour for favour’ societies. When you have a problem of any kind, you look for someone related to you by family, tribe or region to help you out and requests are most unlikely to be refused since these ties are especially strong. “In countries where there is no effective social security, your future security lies only in the often extensive family”, said Green.

Then there is the bitter feuding of the Shiites and the Sunnis,

a conflict that brings more and more hardship. Andrew Green continued “To be effective in the region and to ensure our own security, we must, for once, learn from the past and ensure that our policies take account of the internal dynamics of the countries of the region. We cannot afford any more mistakes. The growing chaos in the Middle East poses a real and present danger both to our economy and the peace of our society, and indeed to that of the wider world.”

Until next time, take care of yourselves and especially of n each other.

Email: katykennedy@telefonica.net.

Tel: 616 110 930.

Pets charities round up Friday; and until 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Come and have a browse, bag a bargain and help the animals.

Find us at: www.livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitter.com/live_arico.

The perfect companion

Acción del Sol Acción del Sol has more than 250 dogs hoping for adoption

and 8pm every day for more information. All cats and kittens go on a one-week trial so you can be sure you have made the right decision. www.cats-welfare-tenerife. com

Live Arico

Cally is a playful kitten at Cats Welfare Tenerife who is looking for a home

Cats Welfare Tenerife We are a small association with no government funding that does its best to care for wild and stray cats in Tenerife.

We take the cats to the vets to be neutered and then return them when they have recovered. The vet takes the tip of their left ear off so we know which cats have been sterilised so we don’t catch them again.

Neutering and spaying cats keeps the population down,

which means less suffering and a better quality of life for the cats that are already here.

Did you know there is a Cats Welfare Boutique on San Blas in Golf del Sur? There’s plenty of free parking and the clothes are all excellent quality. We also have shoes, books, DVDS, jewellery, ornaments and so much more. It’s open from 10am until 6pm except Saturdays when the hours are 11am until 4pm. If you are having a clear out and would like to donate good quality

items please drop them into the shop or message us and we will arrange collection.

Cally is a playful 10-weekold kitten currently staying at the shelter. Sadly she has been overlooked by prospective adopters and is desperate for someone to give her a chance. There is no adoption fee but we do ask you to sign a contract of care and agree to have kitten injections and neutering done when they are old enough. Call or WhatsApp 686 719 604 between 6pm

The next Live Arico charter will set sail on Saturday October 24 at 10am. Reserve your place as we always sell out. Enjoy the day for only €25 per ticket. Call Sue on 629 388102.

Big thanks to Jean Blake for this year’s delivery of beautiful hand-knitted dolls. They are a firm favourite with our raffles and we are very grateful for all your hard work.

All is going well at our new charity shop on the Golf. We are situated at Golf Park and open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. We also have shops in Los Cristianos and San Eugenio. They are open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to

With more than 250 dogs looking for new homes at our refuge, please come and visit us to see if one dog is for you.

Every animal has a clean bill of health and is fully inoculated, micro-chipped, castrated and with a passport.

There are no adoption fees but donations are welcome and help towards the upkeep and running of the refuge.

Please call 922 778 630 between 8am and 5pm for further information. Acción del Sol is situated at the Poligono Industrial Estate, Exit 51 on the TF1, directly next to the Parque Eolica where the wind turbines are. We are open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 2pm to 5pm. On Saturdays we’re open from 1pm till 4pm. Closed public holidays.

If you are into animal welfare, see the back page for news of an upcoming demonstration and fundraiser being held as part of La Orotava’s ‘Solidarn ity Day’.

Mr. Murphy – a small bundle of cuteness

Look at this wee cutie, and only one year old.

Mr. Murphy is not even six kilos so he’s the ideal little companion. Can you give him a home? Call Sue on 629 388 102 for more information. n

Tierhotel Lilly We look after your pet while you are away

(short or long term)

Tel: 697 826 738 (D/E), 659 131 382 (SP, Trainer)

www.tierhotel-lilly.com

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

FARMERS MARKET

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

Farmer’s Markets Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 4pm – 8pm Telephone: 922 775 200 Alcalá Plaza de Llano Monday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100 Arafo Plaza San Juan Degollado Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 511 711 Arico Porís de Abona Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 676 159 034 Arona Valle San Lorenzo, Carretera General 122 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 767 138 Buenavista del Norte Plaza de San Sebastián Opening times: Saturday 8.30am – 2pm Telephone: 922 129 030 Candelaria Wednesday 2pm - sell out.

Next to council offices Saturday 9am – 3pm. Plaza del Centro Commercial de Punta Larga Telephone: 922 505 014 El Médano Plaza Principal Wednesday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966/62 El Rosario Carretera General del Norte, la Esperanza Saturday/Sunday/festivals 8am – 4pm Telephone: 922 010 160 El Sauzal Hoya de la Vida, next to the church, Ravelo Friday/Saturday/Sunday 7.30am- 2pm Telephone: 922 584 657

Güímar Plaza del Ayuntamiento Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 526 105

side behind Titsa Depot) 8am – 3pm closed Mondays Tel 922 076544

Guía de Isora Plaza del Pueblo de Garachico Friday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100

Playa de San Juan Plaza de la Iglesia Wednesday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100

Icod de Los Vinos Calle Key Muñoz 5 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 815 700 / 922 447 938 La Guancha Carretera General TFS km 49 Saturday/Sunday 8am – 3pm Telephone: 922 360 788 La Laguna Plaza del Cristo Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 6am – 2pm Telephone: 922 601 100 / 922 253 903 La Matanza de Acentejo Ctra. General del Norte Saturday 8am – 3pm, Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 577 120 La Orotava Calle Educadora Lucía Mesa Saturday 8am – 1.30pm Telephone: 922 336 804 / 681 277 633 Los Realejos Camino Viejo de San Benito, Finca el Llano, Realejo Alto Saturday/Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 346 234 Los Silos Plaza de la Luz, Los Silos Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 840 004 Parque de la Reina – El Cho Calle Infanta Elena, 32 (before Karting on right hand

39

Farmer’s Markets

Island support!

Puerto de la Cruz Avenida Blas Pérez González, 4 Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 386 158 San Isidro Mercado del Agricultor de Granadilla Off the roundabout leading to El Médano Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966 San Miguel de Abona P.I. Las Chafiras, San Miguel de Abona, next to the fire station Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Wednesday 2pm – 7.30pm Telephone: 922 735 386 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Avenida José Manuel Guimerá Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 606 000 Santa Úrsula Carretera General, near the town hall Saturday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 301 640 Tegueste Calle de Asuncionistas, 6 Saturday/Sunday 8.00am – 2pm Telephone: 922 316 100 Vilaflor Plaza de Vilaflor Monday to Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 709 002

We at Island Connections are sure in the knowledge that one of the best ways to help yourself, and the economy, is to buy locally – even if you are just visiting for a short time.

Canarian farmers harvest an extensive range of crops, which can be seen growing in the typical stepped-terrain farms around the Islands. Products range from tropical fruits, such as mangoes, to worldwide staples like lentils, potatoes and onions.

According to the agricultural group COAG-Canarias, prices of fresh fruits and vegetables differ greatly between the amount the farmers receive and the sale price in the supermarkets. For instance, towards the end of last year, small marrows, which the farmers were paid just €0.07/ kilo for, retailed at €0.84, and leeks sold at €0.36 were passed onto the consumer for around €2.23 a kilo. Many of the prices don’t even seem to cover the cost of production - and this is when subsidies became neces-

sary to keep farms from disappearing, which, like the hiked prices, also come out of our pockets.

Enter the farmers markets, where the grower can sell directly to the customer without an intermediary. They are dotted all over the Islands, with at least one in almost every town. They allow customers to purchase fresher, higher quality produce at cheaper prices, and the farmers receive a fair payment for their efforts. This enables them to maintain or raise the standard of their crops and uphold productivity levels – it’s a win-win situation.

In these markets you will be sure to see a variety of seasonal products, as well as some local home-made delicacies such as preserves, honeys and Canarian goat’s cheese. A selection of meats and fish can also be found among the stalls, along with an assortment of cakes, pastries and biscuits.

Buy locally, eat healthily, pay fairly – this is one way we can all help each other.

So, to show our support of local farmers we are taking this timely opportunity to publish the details of the many farmers’ markets around the island n of Tenerife. Enjoy.

40

HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022 Susana, sado and very discreet. I visit hotels. Tel. 652 533 071

Horoscope for period: August 27 to September 9 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 You currently have a need to lead with your own ideas so your counterpart has little opportunity to contribute their own. To give due respect you must make things clear on the point: A little more consideration would not go amiss.

Contacts

Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 You were really happy that you didn’t react before but the consequences now fall on another´s shoulders. Now you need to work out what you can do about it. The best thing would be to think calmly about your own wishes and then put these into action.

Relaxing, energising, sensual and tantric massages for her, him and couples in Playa de Las Américas. Tel. 642 311 909

Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 You are fully adjusted to your life’s current harmony and are eager to enjoy some cosy togetherness. So, why don’t you do it then? Even if your job is currently testing your organisational skills, you still have plenty of opportunity for quality time.

Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 Although there certainly are better moments than this, you still have no choice but to make a long overdue decision because the fact that you keep putting it off means that you will always feel dissatisfied and it does not have to be that way.

Leo 23.7 - 23.8 If you could bottle your energy and sell it, you would be rich. No matter what, you attack everything with vim and vigour. However, you should not lose your inner mindfulness; otherwise you run the risk of overestimating yourself.

Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 Everything is currently going to plan in your life. Nevertheless, you should take extra care with finances right now. You tend to take too many risks. Be very careful with your accounting and take particular notice of any contracts you are presented with.

Libra 24.9 - 23.10 In recent weeks you have been a true friend to someone in need. No wonder you are particularly appreciated. Professionally you are also floating on a wave of success, especially as you are loyal.

Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 A novel circumstance in your life makes you as suspicious as you are curious. Try to relax and take it easy, but do not fail to give the right signals. Only then can you be sure that your friends and family understand where you are coming from.

Sagittarius 23:11 - 21.12 It has to be said that diplomacy is not necessarily your forte, but at the moment the need for it is more important than ever before. If you try to browbeat people into your way of thinking, it will all go wrong.

Consider carefully all courses of action before committing to one.

Capricorn 22:12 - 20.01 You are probably still in the midst of a crisis as the other party is just not willing to let it go. Nevertheless, you are making every effort to distract yourself and this is all good, but don’t forget to pay attention to your inner voice.

Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 You are very ambitious and that is noticed by others, naturally. Do not be confused by those who are envious, however. Remain true to yourself and be faithful to your dreams. But most of all: be sure to approach everything tactfully.

Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 Sometimes you have the feeling that you are suffocating in routine.

But who, if not yourself, can change that? Picking new challenges and trying them out is the only way you can advance personally right now and you will find it much more satisfying.

Erotic massages, also tantric and other services with attractive German lady. No rush, nice location and Jacuzzi. Tel. 619 614 380. Liberal German couple invites men to erotic parties, also threesomes: Tel. 0034 648 245 425 Only for ladies: Escorts, excursions, wellness and also erotic massages with Marc from Germany. I speak English well, have own apartment and car, visit to your location possible.

Tel. 630 759 974 Hello lovely, I’m your sexiest dream and I’m here to please you. Beautiful sexy escort for your needs and pleasures.

Good English spoken. Couples are also welcome. Tel. 634 116 164 Las Chafiras, Pamela Black, very loving, all services, relaxing pain relieving and prostate massage, medium breasts. www.canarias69.com ‘Pamela’.

Tel. 635 801 105 English model, showgirl, professional striptease, quality service, general entertainment, stag nights, dominatrix, fetish, luxury conditions, visits 24 hours, escort service available. Tel. 697 227 139 Transsexual from Turkey, beautiful, tall, black hair, fat long penis, tanned, very hot, crazy, Los Cristianos area, Apartments Royal – in front of bus station, send text message. Tel. 634 053 724

Los Cristianos, Margaret, 23 years old, beautiful, slim, white, dominant, erotic massages, natural French, horny, adventurous, spectacular hips, explode in my mouth, private apartment, discreet, 24 hours.

Tel. 692 50 69 73 / 664 077 390 Tantric massages for men on holiday. Open your mind and enjoy your body. Put yourself in the hands of a Latin goddess, a beautiful woman for your enjoyment. Pleasure is not a Sin. All massages and services for men.

Information and appointments also via Whatsapp. Tel. 0034 673 631 177 www.sensesmassagetenerife.com Transsexual from Venezuela, 30 years old, beautiful, tall, black hair, fat long penis, Apartments Royal, in front of bus station, Los Cristianos area, send text message. Tel. 602 626 848 Patricia from Venezuela returns, big breasts, all services without limits, French, positions, kisses, vibrators, massages.

Available 24 hours, private apartment in the middle of Los Cristianos. I can visit you too. Tel. 650 442 665 Los Cristianos, Russian Elena, fully figured, relaxed lady, 30 years old, discreet apartment, in front of bus station. Building Royal – Los Cristianos, call me before, I speak a little English.

Tel. 626 712 090 Greetings! I’m Emma, I’m 24 years old and I’m from Colombia, I’m mixed-raced and I do erotic tantric massages. You can call me 634132066 and ask for an appointment and I will send you my erotic photos.

Tenerife South (Los Cristianos).

If you are in S/C north, only with appointment! Feel the sense of our privacy

Cristianosparadise.com!!!

The best place for intimate moments, clean surroundings, discreet, beautiful national/ international ladies, kind, come and meet us, you won’t regret it, one free drink. Tel. 628 610 202 I’m Diana, a Latin woman, 23 years old, amazing body, French, positions, massages.

Available 24 hours. I am waiting for you in my private apartment in Los Cristianos. Tel. 605 072 917 Come and enjoy our erotic body to body massages with happy ending! Unforgettable experience. New beautiful ladies! Opening hours: 10am – 10pm. Playa Paraiso, Costa Adeje area. Tel. 0034 662 960 065 www.edentenerife.com Las Galletas, NEW, 2 sensual friends, very nice girls, services. Come... come and enjoy with us, kisses. Tel. 669 738 298 Canarian woman, sweet and passionate, tall, blonde, slim with amazing green eyes. I do all services. Special massages. I will make you fly on my island. Tel. 603 112 978 Erotic holiday, a proposal for liberal people, alone or couples. I am young, exotic brunette with big and firm breasts, elegant, fun, dynamic, bisexual, open minded, I can be your sexy tourist guide, swinger clubs, sports, nudist beaches, disco, drinks, dancing, sex school for couples, tantric massage. This may be the best vacation of your life.

Tel. 0034 610 439 081 also via Whatsapp

To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

CLASSIFIEDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

41

Classifieds

From buying a pet to moving house and everything in between

Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu

Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu

Classifieds Deadline Next Edition The deadline for edition 756, which is published on 8th October, is 6th October.

No classifieds will be taken after this date.

Head Office Tenerife: Calle Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6º- first floor.

Pol. Industrial Las Chafiras 38620 - San Miguel de Abona.

Tel. 922 750 609 Fax: 922 795 810 Office Hours: Mon-Frid 9am-5pm

Classifieds Info: For personal and professional help in placing your classified in Island Connections all you need to do is pop along to our new offices in Las Chafiras and speak to our Staff.

Not only is Island Connections here to ensure that your advertisement reaches its target market, we will also advise on sizing requirements for maximum exposure, with prices to suit your pocket.

Rates: * Lineage classifieds: From 16 € * Boxed Ads: Colour Module 47,25€ * Long Term: Ask for long term advertising (3, 6, 12 months) and our special discounts.

You are welcome to come to our offices in Las Chafiras to place small ads. Card payment facilities are available.

General Services Learn how to speak Spanish with lessons, audio, video and games, including the alphabet, phrases, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and activities. Only with a native teacher.

Puerto de la Cruz area, call Saida. Tel: 630 574 073 Rocket Café - An American style diner selling 100 per cent beef homemade burgers; homemade cakes; the best coffees; and exquisite cocktails.

C/ Luis Álvarez Cruz, 5 (Opposite the post office), Las Galletas: 922 731 847 For sale. Home-produced ecological vegetables, Tenerife south. Interested businesses, call 650 323 751 (Spanish only), send WhatsApp or email to: michelteide@hotmail.com www.mascuidados.com Website for our massages, dedicated to bringing the benefits of therapeutic massage to your home or hotel, no charge for travel. Do you want a massage? www.mascuidados.com Tel. 663 190 727 Massage saloon Ilona. Offer: 60 minutes full body massage for €36. Couples, four hands, lava stones, massages, etc.

Playa de las Americas, Ernesto Sarti no.18, across from Iberostar Hotel in Torviscas Playa.

Tel. 602 608 626 or email: ilonarebisch@hotmail.com

Santiago del Teide Lions Club

Bargains galore From clothes and children’s toys to kitchenware and books – there are plenty of great deals on secondhand goods. They even have sets of golf clubs!

Don’t miss out – visit their shop below the plaza in Puerto Santiago (Behind Vigilia Park): Open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am – 1pm and Wednesdays 2pm to 8pm.

Masonic Lodge - Ave Fenix No.73. New meetings starting in October 2015 on the fourth Thursday of the month.

If interested, all visitors are welcome to come down.

For further information, lodge secretary John Donaldson is available to contact on Tel: (+34) 922 178 091 or Email: ave.fenix73@gmail.com

MASONIC MEETINGS Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73 Edificio Simón, Los Cristianos.

Meetings every fourth Tuesday starting in October (Installation), November and January to April.

All Visitors welcome Contact John Donaldson (Secretary):

(+34) 922 178 091 or ave.fenix73@gmail.com

Lamp Factory Buy during your holidays We deliver to your home country Ctra. General C-820, Travesía la Panadería, 1 38440 Santo Domingo (La Guancha) Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Tel / Fax: 922 130 301 OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm

BLOCK BUSTERS WE UNBLOCK ALL TYPES OF DRAINS

Integrated Tax Planning and Wealth Management since 1975

922 716 079 www.blevinsfranks.com

internal and external using our high pressure jets and cameras.

Call

647 928 223

After school classes, help or activities in English, German or Spanish, please contact Mrs. Garus. Tel. 602 506 793. We are 5 minutes away from Wingate School in Cabo Blanco.

Do you have UK tax issues or require assistance with UK tax compliance. Being a qualified accountant, I can help. Email Steve at miraverde@mail.com for further details, without obligation.

CAN I HELP YOU? Private English lessons in a relaxed atmosphere. 1–4 persons.

Experienced Language Teacher.

Your first meeting is free with no obligation. Looking forward to meeting you in Los Cristianos, Ann. Tel. 646 487 585 or email: kerra@gmx.ch Qualified specialist from Germany helps you with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches and insomnia. Tel. 0034 699 15 61 47 (ask for Eugene).

Spanish and English Lawyers

Conveyancing • Inheritance & Wills Family Law • Criminal Law Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Timeshare • Tax & Commercial law

T: E:

922 719 520

tenerife@decottalaw.net

Av. de Los Pueblos, Residencial Villaflor B-20, San Eugenio

www.decottalaw.net

42

Rental Classifieds For Rent Playa de las Americas 1 Bedroom apartment. Well-furnished and equipped, central location, quite area close to beach. No Finder’s fee. €570 all in. Call 620 230 871 / 922 75 11 13 Winter letting Puerto de La Cruz Studio apartment, 24 hour concierge, pool, sea views. Minimum three month contract. €500 per month. 669 652 149 Los Cristianos Cactus 2, for rent attractive two bedroom apartment, sea views, pool, satellite TV, large terrace, unsuitable for children, €650 per month + bills, minimum 3 months. Tel. 629 606 494 Rustic finca for long term let near Icod de los Vinos. Fully equipped and furnished, open fire, satellite TV and Wi-Fi available. Fantastic sea and mountain views, sun terrace and barbeque, €450 PCM. Tel. Spain: 0034 922 865 776.

UK mobile: 0044 (0) 7786 390541. Spanish mobile: 0034 674 287 632. Email: Philhirstconsultant@btinternet.com or P.D.Hirst@gmail.com

SALEs Classifieds Comercial property for sale in Los Cristianos Calle Suecia, best place for a store or cafe! Directly from the owner.

42 square meters. Phone: 922 726 029 / 696 978 211 €39.990 Sunny apartment for sale (Studio) in Playa Paraiso (Tenerife-South), 40 m2, with balcony, spectacular sea views, pools, SAT-TV. Very near to the beach, supermarket, restaurants and bus-stop. Private sale. Tel. 922 30 15 75, email: mesa3@telefonica.nice Looking to swap my house in Tenerife for a house in Dublin or surroundings. If agreed, the time could be arranged. From a month to a year time gap. Call Carmen 693 727 683

CLASSIFIEDS

Villa for sale in San Isidro, 11,500 m2, living area 400 m2, 4 bedrooms, living room, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, office, double garage, utility room, hobby room, pool, sauna. Telephone 922 390 951, email: horstbrett@gmx.de.

Price: €990.000 (negotiable) possibility of payment terms.

Website: horstbrett.de Apartment Tabaiba Alta for sale, only five mins away from the German school, roughly 102ms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, utility room, garden, big terrace. Spectacular views of the sea and mountain, big garage with 2 spaces, 2 closed store rooms, price €180,000, mob. 686 798 367, email eoptenerife@gmail.com

www.teneriffa-fincas.net

For Sale! Favourable living in the sun. Staying at the most beautiful camping place of Tenerife. Nice view of the sea and La Gomera . A Caravan (Weippert) with compact wooden front structure. (Aluminium windows and doors). Total 40 sqm. Fully equipped with TV, washingmachine and so on. p.jaegertf@gmail.com or Tel. 922 85 06 85 Los Cristianos centre near beach, I’m selling 2 business units together (90 + 40 m2) – They can be separate. Updated installations. Each one has an alarm and air conditioning. Tel. 922 792 168 – 649 142 612 Property Wanted - Kundalini is expanding. In Los Cristianos, Las Américas and Fañabé areas. Four or Five bedrooms and bathrooms, lounge, terrace and if possible a pool. Exclusive area with discreet entrance.

Ask for Irene: 693 979 153 Amarilla Bay, Costa del Silencio, large, two bedrooms, two bathrooms apartment to rent. Fully furnished, English TV, three balconies, community swimming pool, close to all local amenities. €550 per month plus bills. Telephone 659 489 690.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

One of the most beautiful fincas! Villa and Guesthouse.

Pool, Sauna Whirpool, Tennis court, Bodega, Garage, Water tank. Nice view to the sea and Teide, 8,500 sqm. P.o.r. p.jaegertf@gmail.com or Tel. 922 850 685 Two very good business premises for sale. Leasehold, restaurant near beach in Los Cristianos, €120,000, and bar/snacks Los Cristianos, €65,000. Tel. 690 676 527 160m2

For sale, Bungalow Costa Sauzal, situated front row with guaranteed spectacular sea-views, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms , living room with panoramic windows, modern kitchen, dining room connected to the terrace, including a heated 4 x 8 m pool, all on same level, garage and a marvellous tropical garden with 800m2 landscaped with various plants and lots of fruit-trees. Private sale contact: info@ simonsananes.com. Tel.: 00 34 699 444 879 Best Deal Properties from banks & firstline. Bungalow Club Atlantis, 2 bedrooms €249,000; Fañabe beach 1 bedroom, €170,000; Torviscas beach 2 bedrooms 159 m2, €250,000; Torviscas 2 bedrooms, €110,000; Cristianos beach €118,000. Tel. 628 486 190 – 922 718 257 Looking to swap my house in Tenerife for a house in Dublin or surroundings. If agreed, the time could be arranged. From a month to a year time gap. Call Carmen 693 727 683 Offer of the month in Puerto de la Cruz. Beautiful studio, at Playa Jardin, with nice furniture, 40m2 with terrace and oceansight, pool, tennis area, restaurant, elevator 48.000€.

Mov. 604 100 174.

Apartments for rent & sale.

Apartments at playa Jardin, centricity, furnished, with washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, TV plasma, fully equiped, 1 or 2 bedrooms, new prices for rent 530€ and 650€ per month, water and electricity apart, garage. Also available studios, townhouses and villas all over Tenerife. Mov. 604 100 174.

Appartment in Botánico with BBQ, common pool, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, salon, kitchen, terrace, aprox,300 m2, 1 extra bedroom with toilet, garage, for sale 380.000€ or for rent 1.350€ + Extras per month, Mov. 604 100 174.

Los Cristianos, central apartments, 1 and 2 bedrooms, furnished, Tel: 649 142 612

www.villatenerifenorte.com

€690.000

Property for Rent

8% Commission to intermediaries

For Long

Term Rent Private Sale 10.800 m2 Tel. (0034) 682 392 956

Mature people preferred.

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, big kitchen, 1 terrace, living room, garden with fruit trees, in quiet area.

Tel. 609 531 178 melquiadesm@hotmail.com

Property for Sale

Opportunity in Torviscas Alto (Playa Fañabé) Apartment, 60m2, one bed, furnished with terrace 8m2, views over the pool and La Gomera.

Quiet neighbourhood, near to commercial centres, Playa Fañabé , safe, communal zones.

Advert Placement www.islandconnections.eu

Community pool.

Community monthly fee, €49. Excellent investment.

Price €75,000.

Iñaky - Tel. 629.24.49.58 aska_tenis@hotmail.com

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

Chalet on Camp Site Guía de Isora Double bedroom, fitted wardrobes, shower, WC, hand basin, gas boiler, 4 gas rings, microwave, kitchen diner, TV, DVD, Hi-Fi, CD system, patio, sea view, table and chairs, swimming pool, security gate,parking, rates paid till March 2016.

For sale furnished €21,000 UK Tel. 0044 (0) 1903690309. UK Mob. 07973349111.

Spain Tel. 0034 922 136 778.

Spain Mob. 646 586 318

LOS CRISTIANOS

CLASSIFIEDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

Parque Santiago 11 Pickup Point 2nd Home Tenerife C.C. Plaza del Duque Sought after complex. 2 bed Duplex Ground Floor apartment. Las Americas sea views, fully furnished.

Big private sunny terrace and upstairs terrace. Rental opportunity!

Great location!

Price €220,000

Call Alan: 667 513 689

Los Cristianos Studio Apartment Arona Tenerife South Studio Plot: 39 m² € 104.000,00

El Médano Las Dunas

Ten-Bel Costa sol

Abades House

Chalet for sale Las Dunas El Medano Granadilla de Abona Tenerife South Rooms: 2 Plot: 150 m² . air connditioning . terrace . swimming pool € 210.000

Apartment Ten-Bel | Arona Tenerife South Rooms: 1 Plot: 110 m² . terrace . private garage . store room . swimming pool € 79.275

Arico Tenerife South Rooms: 2 Plot: 120 m² € 98.950

www.paluum.com

www.paluum.com

Pto. de la Cruz La paz

Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé

Well Priced £99,000

Call Alan. (0034) 667 513 689

Mobile home in prime position Camping Nauta

Purpose built 2008. Double glazed. Large Approx 65m2. 2 big bedrooms.

Fully tiled bathroom. Fitted kitchen. Spacious Loung dinner. All electric. Laminate floors. Air con. Garden. Car parking.

Use of all site facilities.

Toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 35m2 terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commercial centres, 800m from Playa Fañabé, community fees 30€/month.

Tel 629 244 958

Golf villa for sale

€ 155,000 Situated in the

Los Gigantes flat

Real Golf Club Tenerife

Santiago del Teide Tenerife South Rooms: 2 Plot: 40 m² € 66.690

243 m2. Garage for two cars. Hall with a little toilet, dining room, living room, 2 bedrooms with 2 complete bathrooms, dress room, kitchen, service bedroom with bathroom, and terrace around the villa. Garden 750 m2.

www.paluum.com

in Tacoronte

Information Tel. +34 659 928 805

€36.000

Tel. 693 760 769

La Esperanza house

Pto. de la Cruz Apartment

Guía de Isora abama

El Rosario Tenerife North Rooms: 2 Plot: 803 m² € 250.000

Almácigo Tenerife North Rooms: 2 Plot: 68 m² € 95.000

Playa. San Juan Tenerife South Rooms: 2 Plot: 56 m² € 107.000

www.paluum.com

www.paluum.com

www.paluum.com

www.paluum.com

www.paluum.com

3 Bed Semi Detached.

Lovely condition 1 bed with 1 bathroom apartment plus balcony. All New kitchen, All New Bathroom, new furnishing, very good condition. Nice size balcony, town views, great location well run complex with pools. Fully furnished.

EEC Registered.

43

La Laguna Rent

Las Chafiras el roque

Apartment for rent La Laguna Tenerife North Rooms: 1 Plot: 60 m² . furnitured . washing machine . fridge . terrace . comunity area € 350/month

Villa for sale Las Chafiras S. Miguel de Abona Tenerife South Rooms: 4 Plot: 266 m² . terrace . private garage . store room € 129.500

www.paluum.com

Apartment for rent La Paz Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife North Studio Plot: 216 m² . furnitured . balcony . lift swimming pool € 450/month www.paluum.com

www.paluum.com

The easy way to sell or rent properties

44

CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

B Funky Fashion Shows are looking for internatio-

Vacant / wanted

Sales staff needed to represent a printing and design company in the south of Tenerife, applicants must be presentable and have their own transport. For more details please call Jon on 604 103 048

in the south of Tenerife for an immediate start. Must be presentable and speak good English, other languages are an advantage.

PR experience essential.

Daily work, salary, commissions paid and contracts given. Call José, between 11am and 5pm

Vehicles

Advert Placement www.islandconnections.eu

Opel Corsa 2008

on 606 181 946 or 922

1.4 16v sport. Itv till 2017 recent service all filters changed, oil changed, new break pads.

Electric mirrors, 17” alloys, electric windows, cruize control, a/c, mp3/cd, tinted windows, custom mats and smoked tail lights from Opc model. Great milage at only 75,000km.

Tel. 664 458 839

€5.995........ o.n.o

751 021

Mercedes Benz CLK 320 Elegance Cabriolet,

Year 2003, Km 162.000, engine 3200 cm gasoline, 218 HP, automatic transmission (28.000 Km), full equipment, very good condition.

Ford Fiesta,

100.000 km, Top Zustand. Air Condition, Transferkosten inklusive.

3.900€

Tel. 609 248 245

€11.500

Price negotiable

Tel. 922 85 03 42 (For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 40)

Situations

nal girls to model swimwear

Across

1 - pompous talk (7) 4 - laughs with (5) 7 - representation (5) 8 - fixing (7) 9 - ceases (4) 10 - cook (3) 11 - fasten together (4) 15 - gaucheness (9)

17 - fixed costs (4) 19 - set up (3) 20 - wagon (4) 24 - panaceas (7) 25 - silly trick (5) 26 - engross oneself in (5) 27 - nuns (7)

Down

1 - newlywed (5) 2 - curve (7) 3 - imitated (4) 4 - magic spell (4) 5 - tiny sea creatures (5) 6 - imply (7) 8 - opaqueness (9) 12 - cobra (3)

13 - swine (3) 14 - fenders (7) 16 - distance (7) 18 - top flight (5) 21 - creates (5) 22 - hobble (4) 23 - musical work (4)

Boxing roundup

BOXING | SPORTS NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

By George Reed

Fascinating tales Say what you will about prize fighting, and some cynics even say it is the art of modified-murder, but professional boxing has enriched sports literature with some very strange stories, some even stranger than fiction. Stories rarely heard and told that never made the headlines and never show up in the musty record books.

Way back in the early 1930s, for instance, an unknown American youngster approached the famous boxing trainer Eddie Mead and asked him to manage him. The kid had been a fairly successful amateur boxer. “I’m a good fighter”, pleaded the youngster, “and someday I’ll be champion!”

The good natured trainer, always on the lookout for boxing greats, took the slim, dark haired youth under his wing and booked him for a number of fights. However, the boy proved a bit of a disappointment. He was a flashy kid and a bit of a dance dude, but he just wasn’t a great fighter, and lost more bouts than he won. In fact, he nearly had his block knocked off in some fights.

So Eddie told him that he couldn’t look after him any longer because he was going to be too busy with another young boxer he had picked up. “His contract cost me $5,000 and I think he’ll be a champion for sure” said the trainer.

“Sorry son, you’re on your own now, take my tip and quit the ring. You’ll never be a good fighter.”

The boy was furious and snarled “You’re nuts Mr. Mead!

You’ll regret this because I’m going to be a champ some day and that new fighter of yours will never get anywhere!”

“I don’t blame you for being sore”, answered the kind trainer, it’s a fact my new kid is only a shoeshine black boy I took off the breadline, but he’s going places, and if you’ll quit the ring you’ll go places too!”

Time proved Eddie right, for the new fighter he had picked up became a great champion, making Mead a fortune and piloting him to three world championships all held at the same time – one of only two fighters ever to achieve this.

The new fighter for whom Eddie dropped his youngster was the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight champion of the world – Henry Armstrong.

The trainer was also correct on the other point as the first youngster never did become a great fighter, much less a champion. However, he did take Eddie Mead’s advice to find a future in some other field. He became a champion Charleston dancer and then a famous film star, mostly in gangster films during the 1940s and 50s. His name – George Raft!

There are so many stories of very famous figures who at one time in their lives were involved in the fight game. For example there’s one of a man who in his day won acclaim as a bare knuckle champion, but that fact has been forgotten in the immeasurably greater fame he achieved in other fields. The son of well-off family from Virginia, USA, he was strong and husky as a boy and very handy with his fists. However, he had to do most of this bare knuckle fighting in secret for his family of cultured gentlefolk would have been horrified if he was discovered engaged in such a brutal sport. But that boy gained such a wide reputation in the fistic circles of his time that when he was only 16 years of age he was recognised as a bare knuckle champion of Virginia.

As all that happened so many moons ago his fame as a fist fighter has been completely forgotten, but curiously enough American history will always remember him as another kind of fighter, for he was the first president of the United States n and none other than George Washington.

Canarian golfer blows lead

45

Rafa in near miss at KLM Open

Canarian golfers rarely make the headlines but Las Palmas professional Rafa CabreraBello, who has been an everpresent on the European tour in recent years, earned a mention with one of his best professional performances when carding a 63 in the third round of the KLM Open in the Netherlands.

With two European titles (Austria and Dubai) to his name since turning professional a decade ago, the Canarian is a popular figure on the circuit although he is rarely in contention for the big prizes. However, in carding rounds of 65, 66 and 63 in Zandvoort he was in a perfect positon to chal-

Photo: Pvt Pauline CC 3.0

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

lenge for the trophy going into the last day. His 63, which gave him the joint lead, could have been even better given that he reached the turn in just 29 strokes and looked on course to break the 60 barrier for the 18 holes but could only par the final nine.

A final round of 71, the worst among the leaders, meant he eventually finished in joint seventh place.

Cabrera-Bello reached a career high of 45th in the world rankings after his Dubai Classic win and second place in the Irish n Open in 2012.

Cabrera-Bello finished seventh after leading on the final day

La Liga

Las Palmas show spirit They may not be setting the league alight on their return after a 13-year absence but Las Palmas have shown in their first games in the first division that they have what it takes to compete with bigger sides.

The islanders looked to be heading to a heavy defeat at

Celta, joint leaders going into the game in Vigo, but pulled back a 3-1 deficit despite playing with 10 men for almost the entire match after their keeper was sent off in the eleventh minute for a professional foul.

The fighting spirit shown by Paco Herrera’s men in snatch-

Rally incident

Collision sparks safety calls Safety at road racing events in Tenerife is in the spotlight after spectators were injured during the recent Icod to La Guancha Climb.

One 60-year-old man sustained multiple injuries, although none of them serious, and three others needed treatment for cuts and bruises when they were hit by a car which spun as it took a bend on the route at great speed and crashed into the watching crowd.

The event, which is one of the most popular in the

north of the island and this year attracted nearly 70 drivers, had to be halted for two hours but later resumed when it became clear that the collision was not as serious as first thought.

Nonetheless, the incident has sparked renewed calls for tighter protection to be put in place at road races.

In 2014, the Valle Tabares Hill Climb was hit by a serious accident when one of the cars left the road and careered down a steep n embankment.

Las Palmas fans are in for a rollercoaster ride this season

ing a 3-3 draw confirmed, if proof were needed, that Las Palmas are not out of place in the top flight.

The season promises to be long and hard for the Gran

Canaria club but at least the signs shown in fixtures such as Celta and Atlético de Madrid on the opening day are positive and fans believe survival n is more than possible.

ACB Basketball

Canarian sides welcome openers The fixture list has been relatively kind to both Canarian top flight basketball sides, who have avoided the ACB league’s big guns in the opening games.

Herbalife Gran Canaria start at home to Guipuzkoa, who should have been relegated last season but were given a reprieve after one of the promoted sides could not meet the stiff financial guarantees demanded by the league, and then face another Basque opponent, Bilbao, the following week. Iberostar Tenerife,

who lost Luke Sikma, Levi Rost and Fotis Lampropoulos among others over the summer, begin at Joventut in Barcelona and then take on Andorra at home, when fans will get their first glimpse of the new look team. Iberostar’s fifth and newest signing, guard Kerry Carter, arrived in Tenerife after a marathon trip from Los Angeles via London and immediately set about adjusting to life on the island, where he takes his first steps in professional basketball after starring for St Mary’s Coln lege in California.

SPORTS NEWS | POOL LEAGUE

Deep Sea Fishing Open

The Fuerteventura deep sea fishing tournament, the XXI Open de Pesca de Altura 2015, had marine life round Gran Tarajal on the run recently.

The big game fishing contest was enormously popular this year, its 21st staging of the event, with 75 boats from all over the Canary Islands competing.

Among the fish caught by the teams were 45 white marlins and nine blue marlins, which were all tagged and released back into the sea as the catch quotas for 2015 had already been reached. Once again, organisers and competitors underline their commitment to protecting fish stocks and respecting guidelines.

Captain Miguel Rodríguez from Fuerteventura on the boat ‘Lidya’ won the Catch and Release category. Captain Antonio Rodríguez and his team aboard ‘Mota’, whose home port is Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote, won the category for Most Points for Blue

Pool roundup

Hook, line and sinker

Deep sea fishing is more than a sport – for the Islands it is also a tourist attraction

Marlin Catches, making the two teams the main winners of the event.

At the awards ceremony for the three day competition, the crew of the boat ‘Corali’, based in Gran Canaria, won the Most Points for White Marlin Catches prize. The team aboard ‘Crater’ from Lanzarote caught

the biggest Dorado. This year’s Open de Pesca de Altura saw the inclusion of a junior category for children aged between six and 12 years. Around 60 boys and girls, while accompanied by a parent, participated in the event and fished off the Gran Tarajal pier waiting for their catch of the day.

The mayor of Tuineje, Salvador Delgado, congratulated all participants and stressed the importance of the event for the borough, calling it “essential to promote tourism and encourage growth in the sector of sport fishing, which is becoming more n popular every year”.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Canarian tennis light

Carla slump causes concern Canarian tennis star Carla Suárez’s miserable form since the summer continued well into September with more early exits from big tournaments.

The Las Palmas player fell in the opening round once again in Tokyo to bring her succession of failures to eight in a row and drop further out of the world’s Top 10. Suárez looked to be in great form in the early part of the summer, reaching the quarter finals in Birmingham in mid-June, but then saw her performances nosedive and trigger major concern in her camp.

Her early exits have included Eastbourne, Wimbledon, Stanford, Toronto, Cincinatti and the defeat by world number 85 Kateryna Bondarenko in Tokyo. The poor showings have seen her drop down the table in the race for the WTA Championship in Singapore and she occupies the eighth and last spot at present, with no room for further slip ups. n

Photo: David Iliff CC 3.0

46

Defeat to 85th seed Kateryna Bondarenko has left Suárez with no room for further error

Early season thrills 180B, who played stable-mates Bar 180C and trounced them 7-3. James Place travelled to Summerland and quickly went 3-1 up, only to lose 6-4 – thanks to captain Mike who won all his games.

Grandee O’Donnell returned to winning ways at home to the Boothen Squad by 7-3. Scruffy Macs were shot down 6-4 by Summerland Shooters. Palms Pool Bar were 4-2 up but lost the last four frames to Bar Nauta and were beaten 6-4, while The Hunters managed a draw at home to Britannia Bar n (Silencio).

Division one Phoenix, last season’s league champions, enjoyed a resounding win over Dos Hermanos, and the latter now find themselves bottom of the table after two very tough matches.

Bad Bobs turned over Legendry Jokers by 6-4, and Dean Adams won both his singles matches. Last year’s runners up Legends A were at home to Bar Tasca, beating them 73. Their stable-mates Legends B were defeated by newly-promoted Britannia Inn (Paraiso) thanks to Lee and Steve who won both their singles games recording a 7-3 victory. Also, newly promoted Mad Hatters beat Polygon Legends by the same score.

Scruffys beat Clouseau’s 7-3, and Sloops had an impressive victory over Toby Jug Saints by 8-2, and Summerland Elite edged it by 6-4 against Marius & Lo. Four teams remain unbeaten at the top of the division, and

Division one champions Phoenix still remain the team to beat

rooted at the bottom are Bar Tasca, Dos Hermanos and Polygon – it remains to be seen if they can turn their form around.

Phoenix retained their 100 per cent record with an emphatic 7-3 victory away to Bar Tasca.

Victor defeated Lee twice as Pedro also won both his frames.

The only singles win for Tasca came when Troy beat Tony M. Sloops also remain unbeaten with a 6-4 win over Legends B. Marius & Lo caused the big-

gest shock of the night edging past Legends A, 6-4. Captain Graham surprisingly lost both his singles matches as did Mick W. Sam Maughan kept his 100 per cent singles record intact, making it six wins from six. Marius & Lo have a difficult match next week against Phoenix.

Toby Jug Saints bounced back to winning ways with victory over Mad Hatters by 7-3. Legendary Jokers were 5-1 down

Division two champions Bad Bobs have had an indifferent start in the top flight

at home to Scruffy Macs but managed to claw back the last four frames to salvage a 5-5 draw. Britannia Inn (Paraiso) beat Dos Hermanos 7-3, while Summerland Elite kept up their impressive start to the season, winning 7-3 over Clouseau’s.

Polygon Legends won their

first match of the new season, defeating Bad Bobs 6-4.

Division two The Boothen Bar in Los Cristianos remain top after thumping Bar Leones 8-2, and also remain unbeaten; as are Bar

Tenerife Pool Super League Powered by EXPRESS BAR DELIVERIES S.L. Information supplied by Tenerife Pool Super League www.tenerifepoolleague.com

FOOTBALL AND SPORTS NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 755

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CD Tenerife latest

Lanzarote 70.3

Men and women of iron The recent Lanzarote 70.3 Ironman contest saw the UK’s Jodie Swallow and Spain’s Eneko Llanos take great strides towards the Ironman World Championship.

Both won their respective sections of the competition in impressive style, but there were also a number of extraordinary performances in the tough triathlon challenge.

In the men’s race, Spain’s Ricardo Hernandez actually had the fastest swim with a time of 23:38, though Llanos and others formed part of a hefty lead group.

The 2014 overall champ, Romain Guillaume from France, performed well on the bike as expected but Llanos, champion in 2010, was only one minute behind Guillaume’s record win. But it was in the run that Llanos shined, and his combined times brought him another year’s victory.

Swallow, meanwhile, showed strong throughout the women’s competition. Though France’s Jeanne Collonge, the UK hopeful’s greatest threat, gave her usual incredible performance in the bike race, she fell behind in the swim and was trounced by n Swallow who also ran the fastest half marathon by far.

The UK’s Jodie Swallow (centre) is a step closer to the Ironman World Championship

Suso double saves Tenerife

By Chris Todd plenty of possession by the 13/09/2015 CD Tenerife 0 Real Oviedo 2 The visiting Oviedo outfit took full advantage of the chaos surrounding the new look blanquiazul team and came away with a deserved victory. Both Oviedo goals were headed efforts originating from free-kicks in an afternoon that every Tenerife fan will want to forget.

Manager Raul Agne tinkered with the side once again and as the starting eleven was released on the official club twitter page many found it a strange setup. Both centre halves from the previous week’s away-draw were dropped and replaced by young centre halves Alberto and Jorge Saenz. Jorge has played recently for the Spain U-19´s, and the Tenerifian defender is a real prospect, but to play two inexperienced players at the heart of the defence was perhaps a step too far.

The breakthrough came on eight minutes from a stooping Linares header. Tenerife was in disarray and Agne changed the team formation once again but the only pleasing factor going into the break was that the score only read 01 to Oviedo.

The second half produced much of the same, with

team from Asturias in Northern Spain and Tenerife running about like headless chickens.

Real Oviedo, after many years in turmoil, almost leading to the club folding in 2012, are now financially secure with their takeover by the world’s second richest man, Mexican Carlos Slim.

The second Oviedo goal was scored on 52 minutes, again a header with the marking hardly existent. The rest of the match was played out with Tenerife showing more heart than any particular tactics, it seemed.

When blanquiazul midfielder Aitor Sanz was sent off with ten minutes remaining it was as good as game over. Strangely enough though, the introduction of teenage forwards Nano and Omar Perdomo lifted the crowd slightly and late on Choco Lozano could and should have pulled a goal back for Tenerife.

But it was too little too late and I hate to say it but once again the visitors fully deserved their three points.

19/09/2015 Llagostera 0 CD Tenerife 2 This away victory will not go down in blanquiazul folklore, but this win is still very important to the club - Tenerife does not win away often!

Photo: www.clubdeportivotenerife.es

24.9.2015 – 7.10.2015

Tenerife’s win at Llagostera took some pressure off manager Raul Agne

The Catalan team play their matches at the picturesque seaside resort of Palamos on the Costa Brava due to their stadium having an artificial pitch, something not permitted at this level. With Aitor Sanz missing in midfield due to suspension, Alberto accompanied Vitolo in the centre. The team looked better balanced.

For once Agne played a starting eleven that most pundits agreed with. No clever plans, no experiments, his job was on the line in the event of a defeat and he does seem to have the backing of the players.

The first half was a scrappy affair but the second half burst into action with Tenerife knowing that only a win would save manager Raul Agne’s head.

This really was a game of two halves, the first was awful and the second was a fairly decent advert for the Spanish

second division. The breakthrough came on 61 minutes as Suso was played through

by Pedro Martin and the man from Taco, Santa Cruz, scored with ease.

Suso is something of a cult hero in these parts but he has not been his best so far this season. He is still not 100 per cent after a knee operation in the summer and the exHearts winger will be pleased to have got back on the score sheet. Ten minutes later Suso added a second for Tenerife as he sliced though the home side’s defence.

Despite one scare for Tenerife late on it was a fine victory and a much needed one to boot. With the league so tight in these early weeks of the campaign it is paramount that the blanquiazules follow up this win with other good n performances.

and now at our Nomads Football Club in southern Tenerife we have weekly groups of kids from countries like Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, Uruguay, England and Russia. Now that preseason is about to start we are looking for some new players and will be providing weekly football sessions in Los Cristianos for the following groups so please advise us as soon as you can if your kids want to play: Pre Benjamin (under 8s) and Benjamin’s (under 10s) on a Monday at 5.30pm and Wednesdays at 6pm. For the Alevin (under 12s) and Infantil (under 14s) it is on a Wednesday at 6.55pm

and Fridays at 6.15pm.

We also host a weekly Men’s 6-a-side league for social footballers living in southern Tenerife. Some teams need a few extra players so please contact us if you would like to start in the league.

We have also started a new local website to advise on the men’s weekly social 6s league, friendly games and growing youth football classes and teams. Please have a look: www.nomadsfc.com.

For general info email: info@ socexp.com, call/text: 00 34 654 200 470, or see the tournament website: www.socexp. n com.

Nomads Football Club

Social footballing fun Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk International veterans football 7s to be held in Adeje, Tenerife, November 6 to 8, 2015.

We still need one team to play in the over 35s tournament and one for the over 45s, so if you would like to bring your own team or help out on another and play against these ex stars and other social teams flying in for that weekend please get in touch asap.

This year we have teams coming from London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Chesterfield, Nottingham and one that

Nottingham Forest Mobsters won the over 35s title, including ex pros like Neil Webb

is once again flying all the way from the Shetland Islands.

The annual Tenerife 7s is coming back to Tenerife due in thanks to our long time

sponsors and friends at Club Olympus. As well as the many teams from the UK and Spain there are also individual players flying in from other coun-

tries and as always the thrill will be that the social players get to play against top ex players from years gone by. This year’s all-star team is already looking very strong with ex stars like Nayim, Donato, Michael Mols and more recently retired Nottingham Forest players like Paul McKenna, Craig Armstrong, David Johnstone and more.

The Youth Nomads Football Club needs a few extra players for the under 12s and under 14s team.

We have started a new club that helps the ex pat youth players start to enjoy playing in the local Spanish youth leagues

sports

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 022

Animal welfare

For daily news, updates and event information

visit

Adopt, don’t buy

are necessary, as well as unified regulations for all the boroughs that benefit from them so that all animals can be assured the same service and care.

They also believe it’s time that public administrations control animal populations properly by making it obligatory to use microchips for the correct identification of pets, stamping down on the illegal sale

Around 2,000 dogs are in Tenerife-based animal shelters There are only a few shelters coping with over 1,000 stray cats There are more than 3,000 dogs looking for a home in Tenerife

of animals, and by supervising those most prone to abandoning animals such as hunters or illegal breeders.

The group is also dedicated to promoting adoption over buying, encouraging people to give older dogs a chance, and to showing that ‘potentially dangerous’ breeds can be calm and loving dogs.

They also emphasise the importance of sterilising animals to avoid unwanted lit-

ters that inevitably end up in a shelter.

The group will also be meeting with representatives from the island council to communicate their concerns and proposals. And you can make your voice heard as well. You can join the march on October 3 that will set off about 12pm from the roundabout opposite Castello pharmacy on Rambla de los Menceyes and which will take around an hour to reach

Photo: Galawebdesign CC

almost 1,000 supervised in controlled cat colonies or foster homes, but only a few refuges here can accommodate felines.

The volunteers who run the associations do priceless work: investing their time, money and energy into improving the lives of not only cats and dogs, but also ducks, horses, donkeys, sheep, tortoises and ferrets. Available

Photo: Ryan.virgo

Cruelty, neglect, starvation, and abandonment: unfortunately these experiences are common place for many animals.

If you are against the terrible treatment that abounds across the Islands, you may want to join the protest march against cruelty which will take place in Candelaria on October 3.

Organisers, the Gente Solidaria de Candelaria association, a charity aimed at supporting families in need, has this year taken a stand on animal rights. They have managed to unite over 30 welfare groups, and a shocking picture of the plight of animals on Tenerife has emerged from their statistics. Almost 10,000 were taken in last year by associations and independent volunteers. Yet this figure represents only a proportion of all abandoned animals: Many never reach protection agencies and are killed on the roads, lost in the mountains, used in illegal street fights or become victims of other cruelties.

Although the figures can be cold, each number tells a story: Over 140,000 animals were abandoned last year throughout Spain, making Tenerife responsible for seven per cent of the national level – an incredible figure for one small island.

It can be seen from the data that the majority are from around the capital city. There is a refuge in the area but it is continuously swamped with an unending influx of animals.

This situation repeats itself all over the island, where the many small associations manage to continue functioning thanks to the support of friends and family and by selling craft items or second hand goods.

There are currently more than 3,000 dogs looking for a home in Tenerife. Around 2,000 of them are in refuges with government agreements, and the rest are spread across approximately 30 voluntary organisations.

For cats the situation is even more complicated; there are

Photo: Nhandler CC

Candelaria’s call to unite

resources are always insufficient for the huge quantity of animals that need help, but in the examples above the scarcity is particularly significant as there are elevated costs for their rescue and keep so there are very few adequate refuges.

Gente Solidaria doesn’t just want to concentrate on figures and statistics, however. They want to find solutions. For a start, they say the figures show that at least five new refuges

the finish point at the Punta Larga Commercial Centre. All four-legged friends are also welcome.

Alternatively, you can go along to the ‘Dia Solidario’ in Candelaria on October 17 where there will be a number of charitable events, and collected food and funds this year will go to families in need as well some of the many animal refuges around the island.

And this is just the start of what is hoped will turn into an islandwide campaign - with one clear message: No to animal cruelty, no to abandonment.

If you would like to support the Candelaria Solidaria group or learn more about their activities, visit: www.candelariasolidaria.es, or follow news on the October 3 demonstration at the ‘Paseo contra el maltrato animal’ page on Facebook. n